"Shutdown-Shutout" by Vicki Farries

Shutdown-Shutout

Despite the loss to the Arizona Cardinals last week, despite the injuries to key players such as Hines Ward, Casey Hampton, Troy Polamalu and (at game time) our downfield threat Santonio Holmes, and Marvel Smith in the second half (replaced by Max Starks), the Steelers shut out their 2005 Super Bowl opponent, the Seattle Seahawks 21-0.

The prognosis seemed bleak and yet despite the injuries, the Steelers have proven they can prevail in adversity. This is only the beginning.

During Training Camp, the Steelers were visited by the coaching staff of the Pittsburgh Penguins. In the meeting ideas were exchanged. One idea was the use of substitutions. Since the Browns game, Tomlin and his coaches have installed repeated substitutions in both offensive and defensive lines and backfields: all in the name of preparation. When one goes down another must step in. Repeated substitutions give players playing time on the field-keeping them sharp, fresh and honing their skills and assignments.

Nate Washington for Hines Ward, Cedrick Wilson for Santonio Holmes, Chris Hoke for Casey Hampton, and Tyrone Carter for Troy Polamalu. Did you notice the difference? Well the numbers on their backs are different but the results were the same.

The defense was stellar. I hadn’t seen so much good tackling since Cleveland September 9th. “Vote for Ike” Taylor had a phenomenal day 5 tackles, 4 passes defended and a touchdown killing interception. (It could have been a hat-trick, but he missed two which were added to the pass defended category). Farrior recorded 5 tackles, 21/2 sacks and 3 QB hurries. DE Aaron Smith with 5 tackles and stifled Seattle’s RB Shaun Alexanders’ running game to 25 yards in 11 carries. SS Tyrone Carter came off the bench in place of Troy Polamalu to record 5 tackles and a QB hurry. The Seattle offense had a little more than 19 minutes of playing time (they might as well had stayed home) subjecting their defense to be hung to dry in the second half.

The Steeler offense took approximately 41 minutes of the 60 game-time minutes to completely dominate the Seahawks. Both offenses were sluggish (especially the running game) in the first half due to the stout defenses however, the Steelers ate almost 16 minutes in the first half and scored first. The Steelers have outscored their opponents 57 points to 6 this far.

The receivers showed up this week too. Cedrick Wilson (who always seemed to have a chip on his shoulder being a back –up receiver) had a great day catching 5 for 69 yards; several were key 3rd down conversions. Nate Washington, who has had trouble holding on to the ball, caught 3 for 26 yards. And (oh my gash), Willie Reid caught one for 25 yards.

The Steelers rushed for 163 yards to Seattle’s 38. Willie Parker recorded his 4th 100 rushing day and Najeh Davenport 58 yards and two touchdowns.

Special teams’ continues to improve. Punter Daniel Sepulveda recorded his first tackle bringing down return man Nate Burleson. A punter deliberately tackling- linebacker tackling. You gotta love it.
Next week is a bye to be followed by 5 intra and interconference games, Denver, Bengals, Ravens, Browns and the Jets. Next week, I will give a first quarter report.

Enjoy the week off. Here we go Steelers-here we go.
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vfarries@comcast.net