Steelers Morning Huddle 10/10/2013
By Kim Myers
Huddle up!
Mandatory Credit: Jason Bridge-USA TODAY Sports
This week I’m going through a constant struggle in which I’m cautiously optimistic about the Steelers chances to win their first game but also mentally preparing myself for the possibility of 0-5. It’s been a rough ride so far. Leaves me wondering if there are any other members of Steeler Nation going through the same thing. At any rate, here’s what’s being said about your Pittsburgh Steelers around the block.
Defense to blame for 0-4 start
Before we set our sights on trying to beat the Jets and get the first notch in the victory column in 2013, let’s go back again and assign blame to whichever person or unit is most responsible for the disappointing start to the Steelers season. Because that’s most important right? That we are blaming the right people. Ed Bouchette of the PPG points his finger at the Steelers defense as the culprit for the winless record so far. Bouchette cites the lack of sacks, turnovers, and poor run defense as the reasons why the defense is letting the team down most of all. According to Bouchette, the Steelers defense is dangerously close to matching the numbers posted by the 1988 Steelers, a team which went 5-11 and were at the bottom of the league in all defensive statistical categories.
Steelers OC Todd Haley being sued
Todd Haley is not having a good year so far. Earlier this year, Deadspin ran with an article where a picture of a Todd Haley-autographed cocktail napkin appeared with the words “Go Steelers! Chiefs Suck!” written on them alongside an account of events of a night in a hotel bar in Upper St. Clair. Now Deadspin reports that Haley and his wife are being sued by their previous home builder for the Haley’s walking out on a rent-to-own agreement on a house along with claims the couple stole appliances and landscaping before vacating the home. According to the story, the lawsuit was filed in August so the writer poses a valid question by wondering where did the Haley’s stash all those appliances because in September, when the cocktail napkin story broke, they were living in a nearby hotel. Weird. The Haley’s lawyers released statements denying the builders’ claims that they trashed the house and stole the items.
Geno Smith named AFC Offensive Player of the Week
In an attempt to check out what’s going on with the Steelers next opponent, the New York Jets, I found that per Kevin Patra of NFL’s Around the League, the Jets rookie QB was named AFC’s Offensive Player of Week 5. Geno Smith went 16-20 for 199 passing yards and three touchdowns in the Jets Monday night victory over the Falcons. In reality, they really just need to rename the award “AFC Offensive players who aren’t Peyton Manning” for the remainder of the season because it’s not looking like anyone will really top his performances each week. Smith turned in his first turnover-free performance of the season and Steeler Nation sure hopes that he won’t continue that trend this Sunday.
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