I have just about had it...

[JDSteeler]

...with this sham of a team. With season on the line and playing an Oakland Raiders team that is far from good, the Steelers absolutely sh!t the bed. WTF is 56 doing on the first play? He doesn't even acknowledge Pryor BEFORE the hand off to McFadden. After a week of film room break-down, and on-field practice, this is how 56 starts the game? If Tomlin or LeBeau had any balls, they should have benched his lazy, sorry azz for the rest of the game!! This is inexcusable. For a rookie to make that mistake is possibly understandable, but 56 is a seasoned vet making huge $$. It SCREAMS pathetic!! 56 is quoted as saying..."I thought McFadden had the ball..." Are you kidding me 56? This is not a Steeler!! This is a friggin loser!! I dispise his attitude, and absolutely hope and pray he gets released or traded prior to next season. You might as well add 96, 25, and 93 to the list of released/traded because they all friggin stink. 25 just needs to leave the team and join Gameday on ESPN. Mr. 7 is a disaster!! He's been to three Bowls, and won two. 7 has seen it all, and done it all, so many times before. Marcia Brady has a worse WR corp and is still 6-2! Brady give a sh!t. Ben just doesn't care anymore. There's no emotion from him, and he never gets pissed off at anybody!! I don't care that the o-line stinks. Ben played behind a comparably bad o-line in 08 and won the Bowl. Ben doesn't rally the team. There is a disconnect between him, his teammate, and Haley. He's on his own island, is simply sipping a cocktail, and has no cares in the world. I don't think he wants to WIN anymore. Here's to a 2-14 record, and the first pick in the draft.

[SidSmythe]

56 was fooled by the pulling guard. BUT in preparation they should have used the RAVENS game plan against the read option. Backside shouldn't be responsible for making that tackle, so backside should have SMACKED the QB regardless. Was that on 56 or was that on lack of preparation??? AND I am with you. 25 is DONE. As for BEN?? I'm not ready to dump him today until we actually have an Andrew Luck in line.

[NorthCoast]

I think Ben has lost his mojo..... which, unfortunately was a big part of what made him successful early in his career.

[BradshawsHairdresser]

Woodley is stealing $$$ from this team. All this talk about his 4 sacks this season...yeah, but he continues to disappear for long stretches. In the Raiders game, he had 0 tackles and 0 assists, and was pushed around all game by a mediocre 6th-round rookie RT. He routinely gets abused by blocking backs and TEs. If Tomlin really wanted to make a statement, he'd sit Woodley's sorry arr$$e for awhile.

Clark has never played this poorly. The thing is, we have Shamarko...why not have him replace Clark? Sure there will be some bumps and a learning curve, but Clark is obviously not the future.

If we're not going to go to a 4-3 defense, then Ziggy ought to be traded to a team that runs it. McLendon might be better as a rotational DE in the 3-4...he sure ain't getting it done at NT. But the system is so complex, count on Fangupo and/or Woods rotting on the bench for a couple more years.

Don't know about Ben. The hits might be taking their toll. He needs to make better decisions. Too often, I see Ben ignore (or not see) receivers who are open underneath. And for crying out loud, it's OK to throw the ball AWAY sometimes! But I see flashes...he still makes some amazing plays, that set him apart. I think he is recoverable.

[flippy]

Ben doesn't rally the team. There is a disconnect between him, his teammate, and Haley. He's on his own island, is simply sipping a cocktail, and has no cares in the world. I don't think he wants to WIN anymore.

Ben's always been aloof. He's always been in his own world. Early on in his career Farrior called him out on it and drew him into the rest of the team. I really think without Farrior there to keep Ben in check in the locker room, Ben is adrift again.

We've lost a lot of vets, but I knew it was going to be a big issue 2 years ago when Farrior and Ward left. They were the real glue that held this club together. 2 guys who were small and relatively unathletic for their respective positions. Both had a huge chip on their shoulders and a drive to prove to the world they belonged. Both those guys had heart and gave everything. And that's what's missing from the Steelers' culture now. We need someone out there on the field and in the lockerroom with a fire in their belly pushing these other slackers to be great.

Farrior would end the seasons close to 200lbs and he threw his body around like he was 300lbs thumping anyone who dared come in the middle of the field. Ward was similarly limited physically - kind smallish, kinda stocky, kinda slow. He shoulda never caught a pass in this league, but he had the heart of a champ.

I look at today's club and is there anyone out there working like these guys did? Anyone pushing the other guys to be great. We have captains on the club, but they're just captains in name only. We need guys giving everything on the field and getting everyone else to follow. And someone that can push Ben.

Sometimes I get the impression that Ben is about as connected to his team as Jay Cutler. Actually maybe even less so. The only difference is Ben has a little more social grace.

[DukieBoy]

I think Ben has lost his mojo..... which, unfortunately was a big part of what made him successful early in his career.

I've had the thought that Ben lost some of his Mojo down in Georgia, but then this ineptness is a team effort from the Owner and GM down to whoever is above the waterboy on the depth chart.

[Vader]

56 was fooled by the pulling guard. BUT in preparation they should have used the RAVENS game plan against the read option. Backside shouldn't be responsible for making that tackle, so backside should have SMACKED the QB regardless. Was that on 56 or was that on lack of preparation??? AND I am with you. 25 is DONE. As for BEN?? I'm not ready to dump him today until we actually have an Andrew Luck in line.

Not true at all. Woodley was responsible for the RB while Timmons was to shift over and take Pryor. There are articles all over the internet talking about this. I can't believe nobody here has seen them:

[url]http://www.steelersdepot.com/2013/10/woodley-not-to-blame-for-failing-to-contain-pryor-on-long-td-run/[/url]

[Shoe]

Not true at all. Woodley was responsible for the RB while Timmons was to shift over and take Pryor. There are articles all over the internet talking about this. I can't believe nobody here has seen them:

[URL]http://www.steelersdepot.com/2013/10/woodley-not-to-blame-for-failing-to-contain-pryor-on-long-td-run/[/URL]

Good link.
Yup, it seems pretty obvious that Woodley reacted properly to the play... AND, Timmons and Clark failed woefully at their assignment. It also was a well-conceived play as, in addition to the Guard movement, 45 was in position to get a nice block on Timmons. That doesn't excuse Timmons, but I think mitigates his mistake to a small degree. Clark's play on this is inexcusable.

[Vader]

Good link.
Yup, it seems pretty obvious that Woodley reacted properly to the play... AND, Timmons and Clark failed woefully at their assignment. It also was a well-conceived play as, in addition to the Guard movement, 45 was in position to get a nice block on Timmons. That doesn't excuse Timmons, but I think mitigates his mistake to a small degree. Clark's play on this is inexcusable.

Timmons took a bad step and should have made the play. They practiced that play all week. The play was designed to have Timmons blast Pryor. Woodley was to take the RB which would force Pryor to keep the ball. Then Timmons was to shift and destroy Pryor. Timmons just didn't do what he practiced all week. Then Clark takes a horrible angle and then it's Katie bar the door.

[JDSteeler]

Not true at all. Woodley was responsible for the RB while Timmons was to shift over and take Pryor. There are articles all over the internet talking about this. I can't believe nobody here has seen them:

[URL]http://www.steelersdepot.com/2013/10/woodley-not-to-blame-for-failing-to-contain-pryor-on-long-td-run/[/URL]

I'm calling BS. 56 should still be aware of the fake, and I still think he is a fat, lazy, cocky bastard! But if that is the case, and 56 has the dive-back, then the design of the defense is woefully inept. 94 would have never made the play because 45 had him blocked EASILY. That defensive scheme was down-right horrific, if you ask me. LeBeau needs to remove his head from his ass if he tries to defend the read-option like that. 25 is a friggin joke! Never thought he would end his Steelers career in MY dog house. The veterans on this team are KILLING us! Just go down the list. They are as soft and scared as I have ever seen any team in the league. They can't even beat bad teams!! JD

[Vader]

I'm calling BS. 56 should still be aware of the fake, and I still think he is a fat, lazy, cocky bastard! But if that is the case, and 56 has the dive-back, then the design of the defense is woefully inept. 94 would have never made the play because 45 had him blocked EASILY. That defensive scheme was down-right horrific, if you ask me. LeBeau needs to remove his head from his ass if he tries to defend the read-option like that. 25 is a friggin joke! Never thought he would end his Steelers career in MY dog house. The veterans on this team are KILLING us! Just go down the list. They are as soft and scared as I have ever seen any team in the league. They can't even beat teams bad teams!! JD

Sorry you can't understand what the players themselves are explaining to you. The EXACT same play happened later in the game and it went for nothing. Woodley's job is to force the read. He wants to the QB to keep the ball. Also the vets aren't the only ones killing us. Where the hell is Jones? That's right he was benched because he sucks so bad. Where is Hood, Allen or Adams? All these great young players are doing so well...

[AzStillers1989]

This board is hilarious and downright sad. I've read it and laughed, if John wants to try and get me in trouble so be it. If John had any pride he would have let the Crash poll (which I was winning btw) stand on it's own merit.

I'll address three laughable points brought up this week:

Point 1. By the esteemed owner of this website, and the OP in the thread: Why doesn't Ben study pictures on the sideline or converse with Haley or coaches?

Here's Ben in week one with a coach



Here's Ben in week one with Manny



Here's Ben in week three with players and speaking to Coach Haley



Here's Ben in Oakland again with Manny



Now who is that wearing #7? Pete Gonzalez?

I sent those same images to this website's Twitter page. I gave John the chance to gain credibility by him coming on this website and admitting he's wrong. Did he? Nope.

Point 2. Ben said the Patriots game is a must win.

Um, no, he didn't. He was asked something along the lines of "Can a good performance up there (New England) be something that turns around your season?"

Ben's answer, and I quote:

“Every game for us right now is a must win and an important, pivotal game for the season.”

Which is EXACTLY what he should say in that instance.

But Ed Bouchette, the Noll era relic? Flat out took the words out of context and posted his own quote/thought on Twitter, which is what NFL Network and the rest of social media ran with.

Point 3. Ben doesn't want to win anymore.

That is the most downright comical thing I've ever read, here or anywhere else. Ben wants to win, but Ben isn't put in position to win.

Case in point, the first play of the game in Oakland: Two wide and two tight ends, Ben incomplete on first down throwing deep left, which he really hasn't done well in his career and for some reason Haley insists on it.

Now the fun begins, the Steelers have 2nd and 10 from their own 20, they have 3 TEs, a RB, and Brown on the field. They took out Sanders and Paulson and added TE/FB Will Johnson and another TE.

Here is the play in question, #26 Bell is in the backfield blocking, so you can't see him.



That's right people, look at it and hang your head, that's 330 pound OFFENSIVE TACKLE Mike Adams running a pass pattern. And you guys wonder why this offense stinks? Can you imagine the embarrassment, shame, and laughter they must have had in the huddle (and in the film review Monday) when Haley called that play and they knew Adams was going to run a pass pattern? That was the play that Haley came up with? Are you %^&*() serious?

Only Mark Kaboly from the Trib had the nerve to mention this play in print. Bouchette, Cook, Dulac, Robinson, all the Noll era guys who had a working relationship with DICK Haley, didn't say a word.

If Tomlin had any guts left? That would have been Haley's last play-call on that staff. Haley can stay as OC if Rooney wants him there, but I do not let him call plays.

And if Tomlin isn't allowed to do that? Tomlin should walk away himself.

Ben doesn't want to win? For the first 45 minutes in every game he's not put in position to win.

Then in the final 15, Ben and the wides go on the field (Paulson and the Johnson go to the bench where they belong) and are expected to steal wins.

And when they don't? Threads like this are created.

Realize what this is people: Art II devaluing Ben to justify not paying him. I don't think they can flat out trade Ben without his "help" if the CBA is the same as it used to be, so what will actually happen without Ben's help is they will release him. When Gerry Dulac, who works for the STEELERS APPROVED radio network, is writing articles blaming Ben's contract, which he signed over 5 years ago, and not the 2006-2009 drafts for "draining their talent"? It's not hard to figure out where this is heading.

Only 9 games left. The accused rapist won't be here anymore.

Then you'll see how a QB gets treated with respect and valued, when Ben's winning a ring with Fitz in Arizona.

I'm done posting here, you want to talk football on a site that allows it's owner to be disagreed with? You know where I am. @SteelersCrash on Twitter too.

Adios!

Free crash!

[flippy]

Free crash!

DD's gonna take out ur knee now Pouncey!!!!

[SidSmythe]

Not true at all. Woodley was responsible for the RB while Timmons was to shift over and take Pryor. There are articles all over the internet talking about this. I can't believe nobody here has seen them:

[URL]http://www.steelersdepot.com/2013/10/woodley-not-to-blame-for-failing-to-contain-pryor-on-long-td-run/[/URL]

If WOODLEY was responsible why did he hesitate during the fake?? I don't care what this article says.

[SidSmythe]

This board is hilarious and downright sad. I've read it and laughed, if John wants to try and get me in trouble so be it. If John had any pride he would have let the Crash poll (which I was winning btw) stand on it's own merit.

I'll address three laughable points brought up this week:

Point 1. By the esteemed owner of this website, and the OP in the thread: Why doesn't Ben study pictures on the sideline or converse with Haley or coaches?

Here's Ben in week one with a coach



Here's Ben in week one with Manny



Here's Ben in week three with players and speaking to Coach Haley



Here's Ben in Oakland again with Manny



Now who is that wearing #7? Pete Gonzalez?

I sent those same images to this website's Twitter page. I gave John the chance to gain credibility by him coming on this website and admitting he's wrong. Did he? Nope.

Point 2. Ben said the Patriots game is a must win.

Um, no, he didn't. He was asked something along the lines of "Can a good performance up there (New England) be something that turns around your season?"

Ben's answer, and I quote:

“Every game for us right now is a must win and an important, pivotal game for the season.”

Which is EXACTLY what he should say in that instance.

But Ed Bouchette, the Noll era relic? Flat out took the words out of context and posted his own quote/thought on Twitter, which is what NFL Network and the rest of social media ran with.

Point 3. Ben doesn't want to win anymore.

That is the most downright comical thing I've ever read, here or anywhere else. Ben wants to win, but Ben isn't put in position to win.

Case in point, the first play of the game in Oakland: Two wide and two tight ends, Ben incomplete on first down throwing deep left, which he really hasn't done well in his career and for some reason Haley insists on it.

Now the fun begins, the Steelers have 2nd and 10 from their own 20, they have 3 TEs, a RB, and Brown on the field. They took out Sanders and Paulson and added TE/FB Will Johnson and another TE.

Here is the play in question, #26 Bell is in the backfield blocking, so you can't see him.



That's right people, look at it and hang your head, that's 330 pound OFFENSIVE TACKLE Mike Adams running a pass pattern. And you guys wonder why this offense stinks? Can you imagine the embarrassment, shame, and laughter they must have had in the huddle (and in the film review Monday) when Haley called that play and they knew Adams was going to run a pass pattern? That was the play that Haley came up with? Are you %^&*() serious?

Only Mark Kaboly from the Trib had the nerve to mention this play in print. Bouchette, Cook, Dulac, Robinson, all the Noll era guys who had a working relationship with DICK Haley, didn't say a word.

If Tomlin had any guts left? That would have been Haley's last play-call on that staff. Haley can stay as OC if Rooney wants him there, but I do not let him call plays.

And if Tomlin isn't allowed to do that? Tomlin should walk away himself.

Ben doesn't want to win? For the first 45 minutes in every game he's not put in position to win.

Then in the final 15, Ben and the wides go on the field (Paulson and the Johnson go to the bench where they belong) and are expected to steal wins.

And when they don't? Threads like this are created.

Realize what this is people: Art II devaluing Ben to justify not paying him. I don't think they can flat out trade Ben without his "help" if the CBA is the same as it used to be, so what will actually happen without Ben's help is they will release him. When Gerry Dulac, who works for the STEELERS APPROVED radio network, is writing articles blaming Ben's contract, which he signed over 5 years ago, and not the 2006-2009 drafts for "draining their talent"? It's not hard to figure out where this is heading.

Only 9 games left. The accused rapist won't be here anymore.

Then you'll see how a QB gets treated with respect and valued, when Ben's winning a ring with Fitz in Arizona.

I'm done posting here, you want to talk football on a site that allows it's owner to be disagreed with? You know where I am. @SteelersCrash on Twitter too.

Adios!

HALEY SUCKS!!! I think 5 defenders are keying on HEATH on this play. What a disgrace!!