Lost Season

[Eddie Spaghetti]

this was a year to make some noise and doesn't look like its going to happen

I just don't feel like there is a sense of urgency with this team/coaching staff

that would concern me if I was writing checks

[NJ-STEELER]

Bs.
Ben was checking down all game until it got late. Ravens were ready for it.

[steelz09]

this was a year to make some noise and doesn't look like its going to happen

I just don't feel like there is a sense of urgency with this team/coaching staff

that would concern me if I was writing checks

Agreed. I think the Rooney's need to have Tomlin and Haley on a short leash. How could they not? What is the feeling for those that live in Pittsburgh? Is the coaching under any heat?

The reoccurring trend of playing down to the competition, lack of urgency, penalties, lackadaisical play, clock management, sloppiness, and flat out god awful unexcusable play is not acceptable anymore.

[Starlifter]

the season is in no way over at the half way point - but much like last year, the overall feeling I have this season is one of squandered opportunities. maybe i'm seeing more in this team than actually is there - but injuries aside, I felt like we underperformed last year and have picked up this year right where we left off.

when you are largely considered by most experts to have the best RB in the league, the best WR in the league and a HOF QB - I'd have to say our record is quite telling.

nothing says they can't turn it around - but it takes 10 wins on average to make the playoffs. when we were 4-1 things were looking bright. at 4-4 we now have to go 6-2 the rest of the way.

[Moonie]

It's baffling how our offense played as poorly as it did, loaded with expensive talent. And depressing. This team sucks at the moment, and I can't see how it gets better.

[pfelix73]

This isn't hyperbole. The team has no shot at contending this year. I actually thought they were a top 5 team going into the season but injuries to Golson, Dupree, Green, Heyward killed them. Ben is playing like he did when Haley took over. He's playing hero ball and not taking what the D gives him. Usually he reverts to this Pre Haley style of play for a game or two a season. I don't know if this is age, injury, or what..but he's now reverted back to that full time. Between the injuries, Ben, and Tomlin, this season is over. Sucks that it's another lost season during Ben's expected prime years. Maybe there'll finally be some heat in Tomlin's seat...deservedly. This has been the most disappointing season in memory. I have a feeling that Ben just might be finally hitting his decline and his best days are over. Age, injuries, condition. Whatever it is, our window with him seems to be closing rapidly. Thankfully they've prepared for that day and drafted a developmental guy to potentially take over....oh wait. I guess I feel like it might be time for a drastic change. A whole new coaching staff or even getting Colbert out of here. I'm one of Colbert's biggest fans but the talent level isn't there if a couple injuries are enough to throw us completely out of whack. I'd prefer just to get a new HC and coordinators. We need to salvage Ben's last few decent years. The current coaching is not getting it done.

Every year we read this crap. If I were a Cleveland fan, I'd be saying this, but we're 4-4, in 1st place, and have 8 more weeks to go.. Save it for later. We'll see where we are in December. geez.

[pfelix73]

Honestly I think everyone is over estimating Ben's weapons in this offense this year. If you compare the offense weapons between last year and this year, Ben is missing a lot of experience

Last Year
WR#1 Brown
WR#2 Bryant
WR#3 Wheaton
WR#4 DHB
TE#1 Miller
RB Bell/Williams

This Year
WR#1 Brown
WR#2 Coates
WR#3 Rogers
WR#4 DHB
TE#1 James
RB Bell/Williams

I know this may not be the official depth chart per se, but as you guys can see...Ben's weapon are significantly different a lot of experience/trust has been lost. Don't get me wrong I see a lot of talent here but there is a lack of consistency. And I believe that is creating a large gap in chemistry on that side of the ball. Case in point Heath always played an important underneath role against the Ravens. James just isn't there yet. IMHO

brothervad

I been saying the same thing. They miss Heath.. But they also miss Bryant, and a healthy Wheaton to some extent. James, Coates, and Co. all behind AB and Bell just aren't getting it done.

[Sword]

Another poster hit it on the mark...Ben looked like he was on some serious pain meds... which wore off in the 4th quarter or
the first 3 quarters was warm-ups that he desperately needed since the injury.....

[RuthlessBurgher]

Throw in a transition to a Tampa2 defense and you have the trifecta. Tomlin had best be careful or he may lose this team completely if the losses start stacking up.

The honest truth is the defense is just not good this year. Baltimore is at the bottom of the league in scoring and they hung 21 on this team without sweating. But there was no bailing by the offense today.

Those 21 points you are saying that Baltimore hung on our defense without sweating?

One TD was a 95 yard pass because our 221 lbs. free safety can't manage to wrap up their 205 lbs. wideout.

The other TD was a blocked punt that has nothing whatsoever to do with our defense.

One FG was going to be a long 54 yard attempt until a special teams penalty moved them 5 yards closer to a more manageable 49 yard attempt.

The other FG was a three and out drive that began in field goal range because of an interception.

[Ghost]

Those 21 points you are saying that Baltimore hung on our defense without sweating?

One TD was a 95 yard pass because our 221 lbs. free safety can't manage to wrap up their 205 lbs. wideout.

The other TD was a blocked punt that has nothing whatsoever to do with our defense.

One FG was going to be a long 54 yard attempt until a special teams penalty moved them 5 yards closer to a more manageable 49 yard attempt.

The other FG was a three and out drive that began in field goal range because of an interception.

I posted a somewhat similar thought in another thread. 3 plays made the difference in this game (stats wise, this game was dead even) and 2 of them were not by the D. Mitchell has to make that tackle. He does and I don't think the ravens drive the length of the field. Their O was as putrid as the Steelers yesterday. And Davis whiffed BAD on the block (hesitant to use that word with what he did) that allowed the punt to be blocked.