SteelTorch
01-10-2012, 03:43 PM
Rather than a recap of the game (which has been talked about endlessly by now), I'm going for who stood out this past season. I purposely waited a couple days to avoid the fallout of the (admittedly disappointing) loss. Now...
OFFENSE:
Ben Roethlisberger - Sure he didn't play well at times, but I thought he did amazingly given the circumstances. He played behind a porous O-line, often had no help from the running game, and played hurt in several games. Say what you want about his personality, but there's no question he's a heck of a football player.
Antonio Brown - the guy really stepped it up this season. He'll be a great receiver for us for years to come. For the first time in a loong time, I was not worried about losing Hines Ward this season.
Max Starks - shouldn't have been cut to begin with, IMO. But he filled in a dire need when he returned.
Isaac Redman - again, really stepped it up. In fact, he has made a strong case to be starting ahead of Mendenhall. Plus, he's much better suited for Arians' favorite RUTFM philosophy. Sorry Mendy, I like you as a player, but you're a better outside runner.
DEFENSE:
Troy Polamalu - Even though our defense did well, Troy P was one of the few who stood out this season.
Ike Taylor - Yes, I'll say it. Sure he picked the WORST time to forget how to tackle in Denver, but he was a great CB this past season.
Ryan Clark - the guy lead our team in tackles (to my surprise).
Hood/Heyward - those two will be a great combo in the future. I can safely say that Aaron Smith's loss will not hamper this team in the future.
LAME BALLS:
Kemo. There's no way this guy is around next season, unless the line needs bodies (which they may).
Bruce Arians. Already said enough about this clown.
The linebackers. I hate to say it, cause they too were hindered by injuries, but they were for the most part a non-factor this season. All the splash plays we got used to seeing were nowhere to be found.
All in all though, a great season, guys. The team did better than I had expected after the way the season started out! Yeah, the post season was a crushing loss, but you can't expect a SB every year. As always, we'll give the league a run for their money next year! GO STILLERS!!!! :tt2
OFFENSE:
Ben Roethlisberger - Sure he didn't play well at times, but I thought he did amazingly given the circumstances. He played behind a porous O-line, often had no help from the running game, and played hurt in several games. Say what you want about his personality, but there's no question he's a heck of a football player.
Antonio Brown - the guy really stepped it up this season. He'll be a great receiver for us for years to come. For the first time in a loong time, I was not worried about losing Hines Ward this season.
Max Starks - shouldn't have been cut to begin with, IMO. But he filled in a dire need when he returned.
Isaac Redman - again, really stepped it up. In fact, he has made a strong case to be starting ahead of Mendenhall. Plus, he's much better suited for Arians' favorite RUTFM philosophy. Sorry Mendy, I like you as a player, but you're a better outside runner.
DEFENSE:
Troy Polamalu - Even though our defense did well, Troy P was one of the few who stood out this season.
Ike Taylor - Yes, I'll say it. Sure he picked the WORST time to forget how to tackle in Denver, but he was a great CB this past season.
Ryan Clark - the guy lead our team in tackles (to my surprise).
Hood/Heyward - those two will be a great combo in the future. I can safely say that Aaron Smith's loss will not hamper this team in the future.
LAME BALLS:
Kemo. There's no way this guy is around next season, unless the line needs bodies (which they may).
Bruce Arians. Already said enough about this clown.
The linebackers. I hate to say it, cause they too were hindered by injuries, but they were for the most part a non-factor this season. All the splash plays we got used to seeing were nowhere to be found.
All in all though, a great season, guys. The team did better than I had expected after the way the season started out! Yeah, the post season was a crushing loss, but you can't expect a SB every year. As always, we'll give the league a run for their money next year! GO STILLERS!!!! :tt2