Quote:
Originally Posted by 44Deezel
Brady was turned into a mortal, but he still managed to drive his team down the field for the go ahead score late in the 4th quaeter. Despite the Giants pass rush, it took one of the most miraculous plays of all time to beat the Pats. The defense gave the offense a chance, but it was up to the offense to do something with it.
Anyway, nobody can argue that the Steelers D wasn't the main reason for their success, but their offense proved plenty capable and made big plays on a regular basis. Remember, Big Ben was sacked more than JC and they played with their 3rd string RB for much of the season, and he (Melwelde Moore) racked up several 100 yard games. And when we played them, Byron Leftwich came in and lit us up. Imagine what would have happened if we had to play with our second string QB and third string RB. Many give JC and the offense a pass, because of the poor O line play and the lack of a true #1 WR. The Steelers didn't make any excuses. They won with starters, they won with back-ups.
Even though the 0-16 Lions scored more points than the Skins, it's far-fetched to say they would have made the playoffs with the Steelers defense. You have to give credit where credit is due. The Steelers have a great organization, much like the Skins had in the 80s and early 90s. Didn't matter who we had at the skill positions (Ricky Ervins, Gerald Riggs, Ricky Sanders, several different QBs, etc.). We still kept on winning. That's the kind of program I hope to see us build again once day. I think/hope we're on the right track
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I'll be the first to say JC and the rest of our offense has a long way to go. I think the difference between me and some of our other posters, is I think they
will go a long way. Could JC have done better last year? Hell yes! Was I happy with him and satisfied with his play? Of course not. But I do think he has what it takes to be a good NFL QB. If he doesn't improve this year....bye bye. I'm not his
biggest fan but I think he's getting way too much blame for our record and no matter what anyone says, constantly changing systems is not how you get the most out of your QB. JC plays way too safe IMO but I wonder if he's ever been comfortable in an offense that him and the receivers are still learning during the season.
Every year since he's been here. As far as Leftwich lighting us up, I think that says more about our defense last year than some people want to admit. As far as how well our 2nd or third string QB's would do, who knows? Collins did pretty well 2 years ago when he was brought in. Mainly because he
knew the offense. Besides, according to everyone who thinks JC is the problem, we might do better, right? The Steelers have a great organization, no doubt about it. They usually have one of the best defenses in the league. Your absolutely right about the Giants, the offense had to take it down the field and it took a
miraculous play to do it. The same with the Steelers, it was a
miraculous play that won them the game. The Patriots had a record setting offense and the Cardinals offense was also their strongpoint. The Steelers and Giants stongpoint was their defense and ultimately those teams won the game. The defenses gave them a chance, and
miraculous plays sealed the deal. I give their offenses credit, but c'mon, it doesn't hurt to have miracles happen. Hopefully some of those miracles will befall us this year. A little luck always helps. I have to disagree about the Lions. As you stated , they scored more points than us and if their defense would have caused as much havoc as the Steelers defense did, especially in the division they play in, I don't think it's farfetched at all. I would love to see us like the Redskins of the 80's and 90's where who we had at the skill positions didn't matter. But of course we would have to have strong lines like those teams did. Last year we didn't which is one of the biggest reasons we went 8-8. Hopefully we've made some strides there this year. I agree. I hope/think we're on the right track.