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I rarely bet for or against this team, because, although I get lots of other games right, I can't predict this team.
Just when they looked hopeless - particularly on D and trying to rush the ball - they come out and mostly whoop a team that appeared strong on many fronts.
The one thing this game reminded me of: football is such a collective, cohesive sport. Everything is connected to each other, and because of that, a team can look much better, or worse, than they really are, depending how things pan out. Last week vs. Ravens, we actually moved the ball, and held the Ravens off from scoring TDs when they got the ball down deep. In other words, we were playing fairly even to a point. But once our offense failed to make 1st downs, our D got worn down, and all of a sudden, we looked like one of the worst teams in the NFL. One thing led to another.
Same thing for the Panthers; they are not as bad as a team as they appeared last night. After a stalemate early on, eventually Pgh got the breaks and a prison break occurred. Pgh was the more desperate team, and, eventually, it showed. A few things of note.
1.) That wasn't a fully healthy Cam we played. Had he been, he'd have ripped off far more runs and, in general, the team would have been far more difficult to defend. And their main weapon to throw to is a rookie. Even Cotchery wasn't playing. And they were down their top two running backs. Imagine us trying to play without Bell and Blount.
2.) It was a red letter night for our rushing game; the patience Bell displayed in allowing blocks to set up is something he will never forget. From now on, our rushing attack is no longer a joke. And, just as most of us envisioned, Blount coming in, after Bell wears them down, produced some gushing runs. It was a sight for sore eyes for most of us.
3.) Is Moats better than Jones, right now? It appeared so. As Chris Collinsworth noted, Moats appeared like the more dynamic pass rusher as soon as he came in. Jones did have the one forced fumble, which was nice to see. I am not convinced Moats isn't an upgrade over JJ right now.
4.) Sorry, but Troy still seems like a liability. He guesses wrong all game long, and his "freedom to do whatever he wants" weakens the D across the board. The other 10 guys have to make up for Troy's freelancing and it weakens the entire unit.
5.) Wallace seems to be a better OG than Foster. Play him.
6.) I know Ben played hurt last week. He was better than ever this game. He really is a very good QB. We are lucky to have him.
7.) With Tomlin at coach, does this team not play focused and with urgency until they get embarrassed? It really seems like it take a good, old fashion embarrassing game before the team wakes up. That is on the head coach. And it's a very disturbing trend. They sure as s--t better not show up for the TB game unprepared or unfocused.
One of the most satisfying wins in years. Enjoyed it thoroughly.
Just when they looked hopeless - particularly on D and trying to rush the ball - they come out and mostly whoop a team that appeared strong on many fronts.
The one thing this game reminded me of: football is such a collective, cohesive sport. Everything is connected to each other, and because of that, a team can look much better, or worse, than they really are, depending how things pan out. Last week vs. Ravens, we actually moved the ball, and held the Ravens off from scoring TDs when they got the ball down deep. In other words, we were playing fairly even to a point. But once our offense failed to make 1st downs, our D got worn down, and all of a sudden, we looked like one of the worst teams in the NFL. One thing led to another.
Same thing for the Panthers; they are not as bad as a team as they appeared last night. After a stalemate early on, eventually Pgh got the breaks and a prison break occurred. Pgh was the more desperate team, and, eventually, it showed. A few things of note.
1.) That wasn't a fully healthy Cam we played. Had he been, he'd have ripped off far more runs and, in general, the team would have been far more difficult to defend. And their main weapon to throw to is a rookie. Even Cotchery wasn't playing. And they were down their top two running backs. Imagine us trying to play without Bell and Blount.
2.) It was a red letter night for our rushing game; the patience Bell displayed in allowing blocks to set up is something he will never forget. From now on, our rushing attack is no longer a joke. And, just as most of us envisioned, Blount coming in, after Bell wears them down, produced some gushing runs. It was a sight for sore eyes for most of us.
3.) Is Moats better than Jones, right now? It appeared so. As Chris Collinsworth noted, Moats appeared like the more dynamic pass rusher as soon as he came in. Jones did have the one forced fumble, which was nice to see. I am not convinced Moats isn't an upgrade over JJ right now.
4.) Sorry, but Troy still seems like a liability. He guesses wrong all game long, and his "freedom to do whatever he wants" weakens the D across the board. The other 10 guys have to make up for Troy's freelancing and it weakens the entire unit.
5.) Wallace seems to be a better OG than Foster. Play him.
6.) I know Ben played hurt last week. He was better than ever this game. He really is a very good QB. We are lucky to have him.
7.) With Tomlin at coach, does this team not play focused and with urgency until they get embarrassed? It really seems like it take a good, old fashion embarrassing game before the team wakes up. That is on the head coach. And it's a very disturbing trend. They sure as s--t better not show up for the TB game unprepared or unfocused.
One of the most satisfying wins in years. Enjoyed it thoroughly.
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