Unless the numerous helmet-to-helmet hits have fogged up your memory, I’m sure that you are familiar with the player who was your backup from 2006-2008.  Back in 2007, Anthony thought that it would be a great idea to run his mouth during an interview before a crucial late-season game with the New England Patriots.  In fact, Smith even guaranteed that the Steelers would defeat the then-undefeated Patriots on New England’s home-field.

Of course, you probably remember when Tom Brady shredded and embarrassed Smith and the rest Pittsburgh’s secondary throughout the entire game while you were sidelined due to your sickle-cell issue.  Tom was his usual surgical-self that afternoon when he completed 32 of 46 passes for 399 yards and four touchdowns as the Patriots rolled to a 34-13 win.

Then again, maybe you choose not to remember that particular beat-down at Foxborough.  Or maybe you simply relish being the biggest attention seeker on a team littered with entirely too many of them.  I do however know that you recently had quite a bit to say about Tom Brady and the New England Patriots when you were on ESPN’s “NFL Live” earlier this week:

When Tom Brady gets pressure and when you’re man-to-man and bumping those guys and making it hard for him to throw he sees ghosts…Even when guys aren’t around him, even when he’s not about to be sacked, when his clock goes off in his head that the ball should be out, we’ll see him duck, we”ll see him flinch.  When you get Tom Brady doing that, the whole New England Patriots mystique goes away.

 

I know they think Danny Amendola can come in and have the same type of numbers he had with the Rams, but we also have to remember, he’s fragile.  He’s not a guy who has competed a whole season, especially playing inside in what can be a physical AFC East.  You also think about Gronkowski and the injury; that is going to be bigger than anything for the New England Patriots coming in this year.  Also with Aaron Hernandez being questionable and whether or not he will be at full speed when the season starts…

 

While Brady has had his fair share of issues with pocket collapse (along with basically every other professional quarterback), I’m not sure how much talking a guy like you should be doing after your team finished .500 and failed to qualify for the postseason last year.

Not only did your defense fold like origami against cellar-dwellers like Oakland and Tennessee in crunch-time last year, they also failed to rush the passer and force turnovers with any consistency.  Heck, if you want to trash-talk, one could say that your defense last year embodied the very essence of Lee Flowers’ now famous “Paper Champions” phrase.

Ryan Clark did not have kind words for the New England Patriots. Mandatory credit: Don McPeak-USA TODAY Sports

While you mentioned how Cortez Allen did so well against Rob Gronkowski in the slot during Pittsburgh’s 2011 win, did you take into account how your secondary had Keenan Lewis on the field that day?

Now that Lewis is in New Orleans, Allen will be forced to take his spot in the starting lineup.  Thus the chore of handling “The Gronk” throughout the game could fall to you, the injury-prone Troy Polamalu or an inexperienced cornerback on your roster if Allen has to play outside the numbers and cover other pass-catchers.  And do you really believe that William Gay, Curtis Brown, Josh Victorian, or even rookie Terry Hawthorne can cover Gronkowski or Aaron Hernandez in space with any sort of consistency?

In addition to the talented tight ends, what will you do to stop Amendola if he comes your way, Ryan?  Torpedo yourself and your helmet illegally into his face-mask?  I hate to break it to you, but the referees throw flags for that type of play nowadays.  Then again, if you knew that you probably would have stopped doing it due to the excessive fines and costly penalties which you have racked up over the years.

Also, it’s not like Amendola is coming from a “non-physical” and “flag-football background” either.  He spent his entire career in the extremely physical NFC West and he played against the likes of Seattle, San Francisco and Arizona up to six times per season.  The 49ers and Seahawks ranked 3rd & 4th in total defense last year, and the Cardinals managed to rank 12th to boot.  All three of those teams have had rough and tough defenses over the last three years, and I would go so far as to say that the NFC West is the most physical division in football right now.

Furthermore, do not dismiss talented rookies like Josh Boyce and Aaron Dobson from making contributions in the passing game and spreading the field against your defense as well.  Dick LeBeau’s defensive scheme is exposed in zone-coverage against accurate quarterbacks who employ four and five wide receiver sets, so good luck stopping Brady if you want to go zone-heavy against him in Week 9.

Most importantly though, how is your team’s inconsistent pass-rush going to rattle Mr. Brady if you do decide to send guys after him?  LaMarr Woodley has had one foot on the field and the other at a Dunkin’ Donuts since he signed his massive deal during the summer of 2011.  On the opposite side of “Mr. Stay Puft” is the injury-prone Jason Worilds, and the former Hokie has yet to receive anything but spot-starts over his career.  Pittsburgh’s outside linebackers combined to record a total of 15.0 sacks last season, and the unit could struggle even more this year without James Harrison.

Look, I understand that you didn’t guarantee a victory like Smith did Mr. Clark, but you sure sent some unnecessary verbal barbs New England’s way.  Then again, jawing like yours has become the norm more than anything else over the last few years in Pittsburgh.  Essentially, you gave bulletin board material to a future Hall of Famer who has shredded your franchise over the course of his storied career (6-2 record including playoffs).  The sad part is that Brady has carved far more talented Steeler defenses than the one that Pittsburgh will send out on the field in 2013.

But don’t worry Ryan, it’s not like Brady, Amendola and the rest of the Patriots players and coaching staff will sink to your level and respond off of the field by hamming for the camera or jawing through the papers like you do.  They’re more likely channel their energy into performing well on the field like the professionals they are. Ultimately, they’re much more equipped to have the last laugh against you and the rest of the defense by the time November 3rd rolls around.

You know, just like Anthony Smith was all those years ago by a man named Brady.

Follow me on Twitter: @DominicDiTolla

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Players Stats Provided By: ESPN.com and Pro Football Reference

Players Contract Info. Provided By: Spotrac.com

Te’o had an incredible career at Notre Dame. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Manti Te’o, Inside Linebacker, Notre Dame

Pittsburgh needs to go through a youth movement on the defensive side of the ball and there would be no better way to start than to bring in Manti Te’o. Te’o would be a star in the Steelers scheme as he would be able to run free with the big bodies up front eating up blockers. Te’o also brings incredible leadership which would be valuable to Pittsburgh when their aging stars are out the door.

 

If Te’o actually falls to the Steelers at #17 and they indeed take him, I will be one happy camper.  I have stated on multiple occasions that the Defense is in need of depth and a future starter at Inside Linebacker next to Lawrence Timmons, and the selection of Te’o would be an enormous boost on that side of the ball.  A 4-year starter at Notre Dame, Te’o was not only a “Tackling Machine” with the Irish over the course of his career, but one of the emotional leaders of the entire football program.  Te’o saved his best overall collegiate season for last in 2012 as he registered 103 Tackles, 5.5 TFL’s, 1.5 Sacks, 2 Fumble Recoveries, and an incredible 7 Interceptions!

Unfortunately, I have some misgivings about the prospects of Te’o actually becoming a Steeler though.  And no, they nothing to do with Te’o not becoming a terrific player as either a “Buck/Strongside” or a “Mack/Weakside” guy on the Inside during his career with Pittsburgh.  My misgivings however have everything to do with the prospects of the 2012 Heisman Trophy runner-up falling all the way to the Steelers at #17 in Round 1.

Why Te’o Is Unlikely to Become a Steeler

Probably the biggest reason why I believe that it will be difficult for the Steelers to select Te’o with the 17th overall pick is the simple fact that Manti might not last that long on the Draft Board to get to Pittsburgh.  So who exactly should G.M. Kevin Colbert and the rest of the Front Office fear in front of them on the draft board if Te’o is indeed “their guy?”  At least to me, there could be up to three ILB-needy teams drafting from #1-#16 who might be interested in Te’o:

• While many people project Buffalo (8th overall pick) to take a Quarterback with their 1st pick of the 2013 Draft, I see a scenario where Buffalo’s brass and new Coaching Staff led by Doug Marrone go after a signal-caller later than Round 1 like Marrone’s former college Quarterback Ryan Nassib and fill their ILB-need with Te’o.  The Bills could definitely stand to have a replacement in line for the veteran Nick Barnett (UFA in 2014), and could definitely use a talented Inside Linebacker to pair with 3rd year man Kelvin Sheppard if they indeed switch back to a 3-4 Defense after employing a 4-3 scheme last year.

• Although the Jets have issues all around on the Defensive side of the ball, a creeping issue for the team could be at Inside Linebacker.  Soon to be 33 year-old Bart Scott has not only seen his productivity decline over the last two years, but he is also due $6.9 million dollars in Base Salary for the 2013 season, and $7.75 million dollars in Base Salary for the 2014 season before he reaches UFA status.  In addition to Scott, David Harris will also reach UFA status in 2015, and he is also set to receive some hefty Base Salaries over the 2013 ($10.9 million) and 2014 ($7 million) seasons.

• San Diego is also in need of a future starter at Inside Linebacker next to Donald Butler, especially with Takeo Spikes on the down-side of his career and set to become a Free Agent in 2014.  Like the Jets, San Diego does have other needs to fill early in this Draft like along their Offensive Line and at Outside Linebacker.  Nevertheless, Te’o could intrigue the Chargers enough to warrant a selection at #11 if they do not decide to go in either direction.

But not only will multiple teams in front of Pittsburgh be in the market for Manti, ILB-needy teams set to draft behind the Steelers could be interested in the services of Te’o too.

• Take for instance the Ravens.  “Obstruction of Justice/Teary McCriesalot” Lewis is on his way out, and Baltimore will need to find the future Hall of Famer’s replacement at Inside Linebacker as soon as humanly possible.  This need is all the more pressing this season after the Patriots swooped in and stole Dont’a Hightower from them in Round 1 last April.

• Although they have built quite the formidable Defensive unit over the last two seasons, Houston could also be in the market for an Inside Linebacker to pair with Brian Cushing.  Bradie James will be a UFA this offseason, and the Texans could be willing to move up and select a player like Te’o.

Think about it readers, even if Te’o does somehow last past New Orleans at #15, I bet there is a pretty good chance that St. Louis, slotted at #16, will be fielding calls from at least three to four teams behind the Steelers on the draft board.  Teams around the League know how badly the Steelers need help at Inside Linebacker.  Thus, if they like Te’o enough to trade up for him, they will assuredly be ready to inquire about trading up in front of a team like Pittsburgh who is in the market for an ILB.   I would bring up The 2007 Draft and the Jets trading up for Darrelle Revis right before the Steelers went on the clock, but that would cause me to light my monitor on fire in anger.

Colbert (center) can hopefully strike “1st Round Gold” once again this April. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

Final Thoughts

I personally do not care where on the Draft Board the Steelers address their Inside Linebacker needs, I simply hope that the position is addressed with one if not two selections this April.

If it is Te’o, or Georgia’s Alec Ogletree, or L.S.U.’s Kevin Minter in Round 1, I will be extremely excited.  Of if the Steelers wait until Day 2 to take a player like Stanford’s Shayne Skov, Kansas State’s Arthur Brown, or Rutgers’ Khaseem Greene after filling a lager need in Round 1 (FS, SS, CB, OLB), then I will be stoked too.  Heck, if the Steelers can mine a Day 3 gem like Florida’s Jelani Jenkins, North Carolina’s Kevin Reddick, Arizona State’s Brandon Magee, or even S.M.U.’s Ja’Gared Davis then I will be downright intrigued.

I know that I will be crossing my fingers for Te’o to fall to the Steelers.  Then again, I will be happy if they address any number of their Defensive holes on Days 1, 2, and 3 of April’s Draft.

Figures, Stats, and Player Profiles Courtesy of: Spotrac.com, ESPN.com and Notre Dame Official Team Site

Why might the Steelers be in trouble tomorrow?  Let me explain:

Richardson has done a nice job so far during his Rookie campaign. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-US PRESSWIRE

Trent Richardson

Most of the Steelers Defenders are either injured, playing hurt, or simply calcifying before our eyes this year.  In addition, this unit is coming off of their most physically demanding outing of the year to this point, and to their credit played some of their best football in close to two years.  Although the Ravens are not tomorrow’s opponent, Pittsburgh will have a tall-order in front of them in the form of Trent Richardson and must find a way to contain the talented and bruising Rookie Back.

Richardson has been Cleveland’s work-horse this year, and has performed quite well over his first 10 games when one considers the inexperience around him on the Offensive side of the ball.  On the season, Richardson has already rushed for 670 Yards on 180 Carries and scored 5 Touchdowns on the ground.  In addition to Richardson’s impact as a runner, he has also been quite the effective weapon as a pass-catcher out of the backfield too.  Richardson has already caught 37 passes for 289 Yards, and scored 1 Touchdown through the air.  In fact, Richardson has been one of Quarterback Brandon Weeden’s most favorite target this year, and is actually tied for 2nd on the team in total times targeted in the passing game (51).  The Steelers have had their fair share of issues in the past containing versatile Running Backs (Ray Rice, Maurice Jones-Drew, etc.), and might expect to see a steady dose of Richardson tomorrow if the Browns elect to take some pressure off of Weeden.

Piss-Poor Special Teams Play/Josh Cribbs

To say that Josh Cribbs has been a “Steeler Killer” over the course of his career would be an absolute disservice to him and the performances he has put on against the Black & Gold over the last seven years.  Although Cribbs has been a “Swiss Army Knife” over his career, he has done the most damage against the Steelers as a Kick and Punt Returner in 14 total games.  Overall, Cribbs has bedeviled Pittsburgh’s coverage units in the return department to the tune of 42 Kick Returns for 1,063 Career Yards and 3 Touchdowns, and put up 17 Punt Returns for 189 Career Yards to boot.

Unfortunately for the Steelers, their Kick and Punt coverage units have been inconsistent and extremely undisciplined this season.  To witness these units take Points off the board because of stupid penalties (Antonio Brown, Oakland Game) and give the opposition free points with sloppy coverage (Jacoby Jones, Last Week) has been painful to watch.  Overall though, these units have been sub-par when they have not committed penalties and have simply tried to execute.  Through 10 games, the Steelers’ Special Teams have allowed the 4th most Kickoff Return Yards (904),  the 9th highest Kickoff Return Average (25.8), and the 10th Highest Punt Return Average (10.9).  All of this is bad news for the Steelers, because Cribbs enters tomorrow’s game as one of the N.F.L.’s most successful returners so far in 2012.  Cribbs ranks 3rd in Kickoff Return Yards (887), 6th in Yards per Kickoff Return (28.4), 3rd in Punt Return Yards (330), and 5th in Yards per Punt Return (13.2), and is always a threat to score when he gets the ball in his hands in the Return Game.

Steelers Defense & Their Turnover Trouble

If the game is indeed tight tomorrow, the Steelers Offense might need an extra possession or two to secure either insurance points for their Defense, or points to simply stay in the game from a competitive standpoint.  Takeaways however have not been this 2012 Defense’s strong suit, and meaningful Turnovers have eluded this group over the year’s first 10 games.

So how bad has it been for the Steelers’ and their inability to record Takeaways?  Well, Pittsburgh ranks Tied for 30th (9 Total) in the Takeaway department this season.  But if that was not bad enough, the Steelers have not scored a Defensive Touchdown since Week 3 of the 2011 season, and were unable to force one single Turnover last Sunday night against the Ravens.  With their 3rd and 4th string Quarterbacks now 1st and 2nd on the depth chart, the Steelers Offense will be in no way the well-oiled machine it was with Roethlisberger in charge.  On the road, and likely in inclement weather at “The Mistake By The Lake,” every possession will extremely crucial for this Offense to either play for field position, and most importantly, put points on the board to win.

Final Thoughts

Am I crazy for saying that the Browns are primed to pick up a “W” against Pittsburgh for only the second time since 2003?  Possibly.  But you know what readers?  I smell a “Trap Game,” and I would not be shocked if the Steelers are looking ahead to next week’s do-or-die contest against the Ravens in Baltimore.  The aforementioned factors and weaknesses I described above have cost Pittsburgh at pivotal times this year, and I believe that the Browns have the personnel to exploit these weaknesses with Big Ben on the sidelines.

The Browns gave the Ravens everything they could handle only three short weeks ago in Cleveland (they led in the 4th Quarter), and have been a competitive team all season long.  While the Browns’ season might be lost (2-8), what better way for this team to inspire hope, faith, and ecstasy amongst their fanbase than to deliver a victory over their long-standing rivals?  The signal of “blood in the water” has gone out to the rest of the League with Pittsburgh’s Pro Bowl signal-caller on the sidelines, and the Browns could be the next in line to take advantage.

Readers:  Will the Browns pull the upset?  Or will the hobbled Steelers take care of business?  Share your thoughts’ below.

Stats Courtesy of Pro Football Reference.com

Foote and the rest of the Defense must stop the run to have any chance of success. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USPRESSWIRE

The Redskins Running Game (2012)

Just like any Mike Shanahan coached team/Offense, the Redskins’ running game is an efficient and well-oiled machine.  So far this season, Washington ranks 3rd in Total Rushing Attempts (229), 1st in Total Rushing Yards (1,244), 2nd in Yards Per Carry (5.4), T-1st in Rushing Touchdowns (11), and 1st in Rushing Yards Per Game (177.7).  Last weekend, the Redskins rolled up 248 Yards on the ground against the defending Super Bowl Champions!  What makes these numbers even more impressive though is the fact that the Redskins have received so much productivity from two members of their most recent Rookie class.

Just like Terrell Davis, Olandis Gary, Mike Anderson, Reuben Droughns, and pretty much every other late-Round Running Back drafted by Mike Shanahan, Alfred Morris has already become the next unlikely, yet successful. featured Back in the Shanahan Offensive system.  To Morris’ credit, the Rookie from Florida Atlantic has shined this season to the tune of 138 Carries, 658 Yards, 4.8 YPC, and 5 Rushing Touchdowns, and proved himself to be quite the formidable Zone runner.  Morris has performed so well this season that he currently ranks 2nd (behind Arian Foster 659 Yards) in the League in Total Rushing Yards .

Unfortunately for the Steelers, Morris is not the only running threat they must contain.  Quarterback Robert Griffin III is a former track athlete with moves and speed to burn on designed runs.  Griffin III will surely have some designed runs drawn up for him in the game-plan, and is a threat to break contain and turn what could be a Sack, into a positive play on the ground.  Washington’s electric signal-caller rolling on some designed draws and play action bootlegs off of Zone fake handoffs with Morris scares me plenty.  But what truly frightens me is if “RGIII” is able to break loose and turn up the field for a 76 Yard dash like he did against the Vikings two weeks ago.  On the year, “RGIII” has tallied 468 Yards on the ground on only 64 Carries, and is just as adept at using his legs as he is using his arm (70.4% Completion Percentage in 189 Attempts).

The Steelers Run Defense (2012)

To be completely fair to the Steelers, their Run Defense has not been what one would call “statistically atrocious” so far this year.  In fact, Pittsburgh has done a decent enough job against the run this season if one looks squarely at a couple of different statistics.  The Steelers currently rank 6th in Total Rushing Yards Allowed (555) and 9th in Rushing Yards per Game Allowed (92.5).  Yet as stout as those numbers seem, those specific statistics are a tad skewed once one considers the fact that Big Ben & Co. rank 2nd in Total Possession (34:49) per game.  In addition, because so many Offenses are playing from behind against the Steelers in the 4th Quarter, they have found success against and attacked the Pittsburgh’s inconsistent Secondary (The Steelers have actually led in the 4th Quarter in all of their 6 games).  When one looks closer at the stat sheet and the situational stats, Pittsburgh’s Defense actually ranks 19th in Yards per Carry Allowed (4.1), and as a unit have had their struggles so far this season against the run as age, undisciplined play, and solid Backs have burned them.

Let us not forget how much success Zone scheme runners like Darren McFadden and Chris Johnson had against the Steelers’ Defense over the past few weeks.  I am sure that we all remember how McFadden lit the Steelers up for 113 Yards on only 18 Carries (6.3 YPC), and a 64 Yard Touchdown in Week 3.  McFadden would have definitely racked up more Yards during the game on the ground, but as I stated before, since the Raiders were behind for most of the game and in the 2nd Half, his opportunities on the ground were limited.  “CJ2K” had a nice game against the Steelers in Week 6 as he rushed for 91 Yards on 19 Carries.  And just like McFadden, Johnson’s chances were also limited because the Titans Offense was forced to/found success through the air in the 2nd Half of the game when they attempted to play catch-up.

Final Thoughts

To win Sunday’s game, or at least have a legitimate shot, the Steelers must stop Washington’s running game, period.  If Griffin III is allowed to be in 2nd & 5 or less and 3rd & 4 or less situations all game long, it could be an extremely long day for Pittsburgh and their Defense.  Winning on 1st & 2nd Downs against the run is a task every Defense tries to accomplish on a game-in-game-out basis.  But against the Redskins and their Rookie Quarterback, stuffing the run to create 2nd and 3rd & Long situations is an absolute “must” for the Steelers.  This strategy in turn will help to lessen the blow of the play-action passing game off of the Stretch/Zone plays which are staples of the Shanahan Offense.

The last thing that the Steelers’ inconsistent Defense can stand to do is become undisciplined against the run, lose the Time of Possession battle, and subsequently allow the Redskins to not only force Big Ben & the Offense to sit on the sidelines and wait idly as “RGIII” & Co. finish extended drives (mostly on the ground) with 7′s and 3′s.  The run game is the “bread ‘n butter” for this Washington Offense, and like it or not “Steeler Nation,” if Pittsburgh’s Defense loses in this area, things could turn sour in a hurry on Sunday afternoon.

Chime in Readers:  Will the Steelers’ Defense step up against the Run this weekend?  If so, why?  Can the Steelers pull out a victory?  Share your answers, as well as any other comments, questions, or concerns in the section below.

Stats Courtesy of: Team Rankings.com, ESPN.com

Vick has turned the ball over 9 times this season. Mandatory Credit: Howard Smith-US PRESSWIRE

Introduction & Why Areas are Weaknesses

Over Philadelphia’s first four games, Michael Vick has been nothing short of a “Turnover Machine.”  Although he protected the ball well during Sunday night’s win versus the Giants, Vick has coughed the ball up NINE times during the Eagles’ 3-1 start.  In terms of Interceptions thrown, Vick has been picked off 6 times, and was picked off a season high 4 against the Browns in Week 1.  As far as his “Fumble-itis,” Vick has already put the ball on the deck three more times over the course of the 2012 season as well.

Even though the Eagles are 3-1, Vick’s Turnovers, like any team’s Quarterback’s Turnovers, have cost them numerous points/scoring opportunities over their first four games.  In fact, one could make a strong argument that the Eagles won in spite of Vick’s mistakes against Cleveland in Week 1, and Baltimore in Week 2.

If Vick is classified as a “Turnover Machine,” the Steelers’ Defense barely know what a Turnover looks like after their first three games.  Whether it has been their inability to create/design pressure (scheme and talent at fault), or their Defender’s inability to cover and sometimes tackle down the field, this Defense just cannot seem to get on the right track to get the ball back into their Offense’s hands (0 Punts in 2nd Half versus Broncos and Raiders).  Because of these short-comings, opponents have been able to not only protect the football and sustain drives all season long, and have had success against this Defense for the last season and a half.  Don’t believe me?  Over Pittsburgh’s last 19 regular season games, the Defense has only forced 17 Turnovers!

Matchups This Weekend

Like it or not fans, but the onus will be on the Steelers’ Defense and their group of under-performing, inexperienced, and calcified personnel on Sunday.  Sure, the Eagles might have their issues finishing drives so far this season, and have struggled to put up massive amounts of points (16.5 PPG, 30th in NFL).   Despite their scoring problems, Philadelphia’s Offense has actually moved the ball well at times this year, and ranks 5th in the League in Total Yards per Game (417.8).  And even though the Steelers have had almost two weeks to correct their Defensive issues, Philadelphia has plenty of Offensive fire-power to cause Pittsburgh’s Defense some problems.  If these players can make themselves available for Vick, they can make the necessary plays to help him stay Turnover-free.

Not only will the Steelers have to contain LeSean McCoy (384 Rushing Yards, 1 TD, 14 Catches for 59 Yards) in the running and passing games, their Secondary and Linebackers must also find ways to contain DeSean Jackson (20 Catches for 333 Yards and 1 TD), Jeremy Maclin (9 Catches for 126 Yards and 2 TD’s), Jason Avant (11 Catches for 128 Yards), Brent Celek (18 Catches for 315 Yards), and to a lesser extent, Damaris Johnson (8 Catches for 124 Yards) and Clay Harbor (5 Catches for 42 Yards and 1 TD).

To even force Vick to have an off-day, the Steelers will likely need to neutralize McCoy in both the running and passing games.  Something I might add is no easy task for even a good Defense to do.  McCoy ranks 3rd in the League in Rushing Yards, is currently averaging 4.7 Yards per Carry, and does a fantastic job of cutting back and making teams pay when they forget to back-side contain on running plays.  These things would be bad enough for any Defense.  But all of these talents McCoy possesses are things the Steelers’ Defense has struggled with in the past, and did so most recently against Oakland and Darren McFadden two weeks ago.

If by some awesome happen-stance the Steelers are able to put the clamps on McCoy, or Andy Reid decides to attack through the air and ignore him, Pittsburgh must find a way to exploit Philadelphia’s banged-up Offensive Line to get after Vick.  To their credit, the Eagles’ make-shift Line only allowed 2.0 Sacks to the Giants’ monster pass-rush.  Sack numbers aside, Vick still was hit multiple times, and made some nice athletic plays and did evade a couple of more Sacks last Sunday night.  Solid performance notwithstanding, the Eagles have given up 11.0 Sacks over the first four games, and still could remain a liability this weekend.  Thus, it is extremely important that the Steelers’ Front Seven must find a way to take advantage and force the slightly banged-up Vick (knee contusion) to make mistakes inside and outside the pocket due to their presence.

It is of the utmost importance that the Defense (especially the Front 7) is able to collapse the pocket somewhat on Sunday, because each of Pittsburgh’s Cornerbacks have been eaten alive at times during the first three games.  Philadelphia’s talented pass-catchers will tear the Secondary up just like they did against Baltimore if the veteran Vick is allowed to take his time.  As long as Vick stays patient and is not harassed by pressure, Philadelphia will be able to drive the ball with ease, something they have been able to do during the season’s first month.

Final Thoughts

As much as I want to believe that the possible return of Troy Polamalu and James Harrison will help this Defense, as well as an early Bye Week, the Defense will still need to bring their “A game” on Sunday afternoon if they want to have any shot at winning.  Vick might be turnover-prone and inconsistent, but he proved on Sunday night that when he is patient, not forcing passes into tight spots, taking care of the ball, and using his running game effectively, the Eagles can beat some of the top-tier teams in the League like the Giants.

The McCoy mis-matches in the running and passing games are extremely hard to ignore.  And if Vick is not pressured, Philadelphia has just too many pass-catching weapons for the Steelers’ Secondary to deal with over the course of the game.  Granted, the Steelers Defense might be ranked 5th in the League against the pass as their most loyal defenders might crow.  Yet a large amount of that ranking has to do with the fact that Pittsburgh’s Offense has possessed the ball for over 35:00 minutes in each and every game, and have in turn not forced the Defense to spend an unusually large amount of time on the field.  In addition, these apologists choose to ignore some of the most glaring Defensive stats of all:

21st in Points per Game Allowed (25.0)

21st in Yards per Carry Allowed (4.3, 70 Carries for 303 Yards)

25th in QB Rating Against (99.8)

T-29th in Sacks (5)

30th in 3rd Down % Converted Against (48.5%)

I am crossing my fingers though that the Steelers’ Defense can awaken from their “Lack of Turnover” slumber, because if there is any Quarterback in the League which can give the ball away at any time, it is Michael Vick.  I hope that Dick LeBeau will be dialing up some more 5+man pressures, or even bringing some heat off the edge with a Defensive Back.  You know, like Arizona did to force the fumble against Vick which went for a Touchdown in Week 3.  It would also be nice to see the Defensive Backs sticking with their men, or at least preventing a few easy pitch-and-catches.

My hopes and dreams aside, no matter what inevitably happens, watching the Steelers’ Defense try to get back on track and force turnovers against one of the League’s most turnover-prone Quarterbacks will be something worth watching on Sunday afternoon.

Figures and Stats Courtesy of: Pro Football Reference.com and ESPN.com

Share your thoughts readers:  Will the Defense finally come through this weekend?  Or will Vick & Co. be allowed to slice and dice them?

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