Steelers - 10 / Ravens - 13 - Quick Hitters

Wallace's Play Has Been Sub-Par In ALL Phases

Okay, this one might get lengthy as my "Quick Hitters" posts are a chance for me to spout off about anything that I did or didn't like about the game.  The arrow might be facing "negative" in today's post, but I would imagine that most of SteelerNation would be right along side of me if that was the case.  Okay, time to let the venom spew...

- Mike Wallace...I'm at a Loss For Words...No I'm Not... - This guys is in a contract year.  A CONTRACT YEAR!  Aren't players in their contract year's supposed to really step up their game to step up their pay scale after the season??  If that is the case, Mr. Wallace must be trying to LOSE money.  He has been one of the most inconsistent Steelers in every phase of his game this season.  His lack of effort just makes me wonder what his intentions are, because it must not be to make alot of money next year.  Maybe he is trying to give the Steelers a hometown discount, but at this rate the Steelers wouldn't even keep a discounted Mike Wallace.  His fumble was just a part of what has bothered me about Mike Wallace.  His lack of effort on a 3rd and 11 makes me want to throw something at my TV.  Mike Wallace used to be the guy at WR for the Black n' Gold,  but I am constantly calling him a "turd" and not "the guy".  He is on my SH!T list right now. 

- Defense Pitches A Near Shutout...All for NOTHING - At least the Steelers Defense proved their worth on Sunday Night.  I haven't seen the Defense look this good in almost a calendar year.  If it weren't for the above mentioned "turd" fumbling the football, I don't think the Steelers Defense would have give up any points.  Even if that were the case, I'm sure the Steelers offense would have found a way to blow the game.  The defense looked phenomenal, and when certain fans and media outlets are crying about turnovers the defense has held the last 5 QBs to less than 200 yards passing.  If you ask me, by getting off of the field on 3rd downs like they have been turnovers aren't nearly as important.  Sure, any defense would LOVE to see more turnovers, but they are playing some great fundamental football right now.  Just imagine when Troy Polamalu returns...now THAT defense could be scary.

- A James Harrison Sighting - James Harrison hasn't done much this season, and for good reason.  The dude has a banged up knee, but last night you got to see a James Harrison that we haven't seen this season to date.  He was getting down the line on running situations like he used to and actually got some pressure on Flacco...including a sack.  I'm not going to say that Harrison is back to his Defensive Player of the Year status, but he might be getting back into game shape...something that couldn't happen at a better time.  The next 6 games are HUGE for the Steelers and Pittsburgh needs both Harrison and Woodley to pick up their pace of getting to the QB.  Next QB up...Mr. Weedon in Cleveland.  Watch your blind side...

- Steelers Offense Doing Their Best To Make Ravens D Look Good - I'm not going to say that the Ravens defense is putrid...far from it considering they are the #1 redzone defense in the league.  But then again, how much of their success was / is tied to the Steelers' lack of offensive firepower?  The last two games the offense seems to have lacked an identity.  Without Ben in the 2nd half of the Kansas City game it was understandable that there was some disconnect; however, after a week of prep time the Steelers should have come out against the 26th ranked run defense and run the ball right down their throats.  The offensive line has shown that when given the chance to continually run "down hill" they can do it with the best in the NFL.  Offensive play calling rightfully should be questioned, but calling plays without Ben, Antonio Brown, and now Jerricho Cotchery might be difficult for ANY offensive coordinator in the NFL.

- Injuries Continue to Plague This Team - We all know the list going INTO the game, but how about the list AFTER the game?  Jerricho Cotchery - Ribs / Isaac Redman - Concussion / Barron Batch - Foot...just throw some more gas on the fire why don't you?  There is no one to blame for the rash of injuries the Steelers have had to endure this season, but one can only hope the Steelers can stay afloat long enough to get some of their impact players back on the field.  If they can get healthy, and stay healthy (I know thats a huge "IF") this team could make a run at a Superbowl if they can get invited to the dance that are the NFL Playoffs.

- Keenan Lewis Has Gone Beastmode - Sure, when people think of "beastmode" most people think of Marshawn Lynch or Adrian Peterson, but I tell you what...Keenan Lewis has been in beastmode the past 3-4 games for a DB.  His play against Anquan Boldin was one of the main reasons why the Steelers were successful in slowing down the Ravens offense.  Allowing Ike Taylor to shadow Torrey Smith put Keenan Lewis on their #2 receiver and he stepped up AGAIN on almost every occasion.  He has played great in run support and has shown the versatility needed.  If you watch the game, you finally saw Lewis show some swagger on the field and getting the team fired up.  He has been a pleasant surprise for the defense and the team this season.

- Special Teams Blunders Haunt the Black n' Gold - When was the last season that the Steelers have NOT allowed a kick return in some way, shape, or form?  It almost seems a given that once a year there is going to be a missed assignment, a penalty not called, or a missed tackle that is going to lead to a TD that normally breaks the backs of the Steelers.  That is exactly what happened on Sunday Night when Jacoby Jones returned a punt 60+ yards for the go ahead TD.  These issues go beyond Al Everest being fired before the season...it comes down to alot of things...again the injuries hurt special teams as well as offense and defense, and inconsistency in assignments.  I'm not going to breakdown the plays, but if you've played football before you know you have a "lane" and an assignment and on that play several Steelers were out of their lanes and missing their assignments.  I've said it before, and I'll say it again, but the Steelers can't give up these special teams play and expect the win football games.

Thats about it for now...if you haven't noticed I'm pretty upset about the game.  It has been a long day (as I'm sure it has been for the rest of SteelerNation) and hopefully the Steelers can put this thing behind them with a win in Cleveland on Sunday.