fordfixer
10-18-2010, 01:53 AM
Steelers' D as good as advertised
October 18, 2010 01:20 AM
By: HERALD STANDARD STAFF
Herald Standard
http://www.heraldstandard.com/news_deta ... sed-b.html (http://www.heraldstandard.com/news_detail/article/1636/2010/october/18/bsteelers-d-as-good-as-advertised-b.html)
PITTSBURGH - If you think the Steelers' defense played extra hard during the first month of the season to make up for their suspended quarterback, you're wrong.
If you think they tried to carry the team on their shoulders until Ben Roethlisberger returned from his suspension, you're half wrong.
Sure, the defense tried to carry the team on its shoulders, but it had nothing to do with Roethlisberger's suspension.
It's just what they do.
You need proof, ask Cleveland's Josh Cribbs or Mohamed Massaquoi.
The point is this: If the Steelers defense had worked extra hard or done more than they normally would have done during Roethlisberger's suspension, then Sunday's game would have shown visible evidence of some sort of letdown or let up or easing off the pedal, even if just a little bit.
Did you see any of that at any point during Sunday's 28-10 win over the Browns?
Neither did I.
What I saw was a unit determined to keep its opponent from challenging.
Oh, the Browns made a few plays. In fact, Cleveland amassed 328 yards against this Steelers defense.
But ask yourself this: Was there a time during the game when you didn't think Pittsburgh was in control?
Even after the Browns converted a Roethlisberger interception into a 3-0 lead, nobody thought the Browns could challenge, let alone threaten the Steelers. Once Roethlisberger passed to Mike Wallace for the go-ahead touchdown on Pittsburgh's next possession, who didn't know this thing was over?
This defense, which has the potential to be one of the best in the Steelers' illustrious defensive history, simply does what it does, regardless of who's playing quarterback for either offense. They go all out, all the time.
James Harrison delivered the blows that took out Cribbs first, then Massaquoi. He didn't apologize for either one, for good reason.
"Legal hits, not fineable hits," was how coach Mike Tomlin worded it. "He's a good football player. James is always ready to deliver for his teammates."
"He's a beast," Hines Ward said. "He's a man on a mission. He sets the tempo for everybody else."
There were a few moments just after each of those hits that Harrison was taken aback. When trainers came running from both sidelines, Harrison was concerned. When he saw both players walk off the field, he felt somewhat better.
"You don't want to see anybody get injured," Harrison said. "I'm not opposed to people being hurt, though. There's a difference. It wasn't our plan to take anybody out of the game. Our plan was to beat them."
Just like it is every week, regardless of the opponent and, yes, regardless of who's playing quarterback.
Sports editor Mike Ciarochi may be reached at mciarochi@heraldstandard.com.
October 18, 2010 01:20 AM
By: HERALD STANDARD STAFF
Herald Standard
http://www.heraldstandard.com/news_deta ... sed-b.html (http://www.heraldstandard.com/news_detail/article/1636/2010/october/18/bsteelers-d-as-good-as-advertised-b.html)
PITTSBURGH - If you think the Steelers' defense played extra hard during the first month of the season to make up for their suspended quarterback, you're wrong.
If you think they tried to carry the team on their shoulders until Ben Roethlisberger returned from his suspension, you're half wrong.
Sure, the defense tried to carry the team on its shoulders, but it had nothing to do with Roethlisberger's suspension.
It's just what they do.
You need proof, ask Cleveland's Josh Cribbs or Mohamed Massaquoi.
The point is this: If the Steelers defense had worked extra hard or done more than they normally would have done during Roethlisberger's suspension, then Sunday's game would have shown visible evidence of some sort of letdown or let up or easing off the pedal, even if just a little bit.
Did you see any of that at any point during Sunday's 28-10 win over the Browns?
Neither did I.
What I saw was a unit determined to keep its opponent from challenging.
Oh, the Browns made a few plays. In fact, Cleveland amassed 328 yards against this Steelers defense.
But ask yourself this: Was there a time during the game when you didn't think Pittsburgh was in control?
Even after the Browns converted a Roethlisberger interception into a 3-0 lead, nobody thought the Browns could challenge, let alone threaten the Steelers. Once Roethlisberger passed to Mike Wallace for the go-ahead touchdown on Pittsburgh's next possession, who didn't know this thing was over?
This defense, which has the potential to be one of the best in the Steelers' illustrious defensive history, simply does what it does, regardless of who's playing quarterback for either offense. They go all out, all the time.
James Harrison delivered the blows that took out Cribbs first, then Massaquoi. He didn't apologize for either one, for good reason.
"Legal hits, not fineable hits," was how coach Mike Tomlin worded it. "He's a good football player. James is always ready to deliver for his teammates."
"He's a beast," Hines Ward said. "He's a man on a mission. He sets the tempo for everybody else."
There were a few moments just after each of those hits that Harrison was taken aback. When trainers came running from both sidelines, Harrison was concerned. When he saw both players walk off the field, he felt somewhat better.
"You don't want to see anybody get injured," Harrison said. "I'm not opposed to people being hurt, though. There's a difference. It wasn't our plan to take anybody out of the game. Our plan was to beat them."
Just like it is every week, regardless of the opponent and, yes, regardless of who's playing quarterback.
Sports editor Mike Ciarochi may be reached at mciarochi@heraldstandard.com.