My grumpiness isn't because of the first game, it's because of every game since the debacle in Denver and getting Tebowed. There is a trail of inconsistency from that day forward up through last weekend. I very well expect the Steleers to play and well and beat Cincinnati, of course, I also expect them to lose to the Jets, Bill and Browns twice. The inconsistencies, lack of discipline, lack of leadership, personnel decisions that seem mind numbingly idiotic even to a casual observer continue to mount and I don't see an end in sight. My dad informs me that this is reminiscent of the 60s, erratic coaching decisions, players playing well below expectations, stupid penalties, turnovers and most of all an offense that can't score points consistently.
Even in the 80s when Cowher's teams weren't playing well they didn't seem to be a rudderless ship with no direction, they always needed a quarterback. For the life of me I can't determine what this team is missing, so it's probably some intangible thing that is not apparent to the casual observer.
I called my dad after the game and we were talking about the game and he asked me about the DeCastro disaster and I told him that was the strangest thing I have ever seen. His response, "That was the epitome of 1960s Steeler football, sabotage your own team." So, while many of you are searching for ways to sugarcoat this past weekend, I've been talking to my dad who lived through and attended Steeler games in the 60s and the similarities are eerie.
Physically this team can compete, mentally they are substandard and I don't see it changing any time soon, because it's been happening for about the past 17 games, hence 8-8 and 0-1. Maybe the light bulb will come on and the players will begin to understand that the academic side of the game is as important as the physical side of the game. Unfortunately, I don't think these players understand that at all.
So, until, there is a seismic change in the attitude, the preparedness, and some leadership steps forward it is my contention that this group of players will look dismal one week and like a world beater the next, but won't rise above 8-8 and based on last week that could be very generous.
We'll see how they rally around Beachum, Wilson, Jones and Dwyer this week against one of the best, if not the best, defensive fronts in the game today.
Just as an FYI, Pappy is actually happy and snappy, but not crappy and needing a nappy.
Pappy
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