Things Done in Denver

So I dressed in black on Monday and pondered over what went wrong in Denver I came up with two key issues: 1) defense and 2) the run game.

Defense seemed to go downhill after DE Aaron Smith injured his knee during the Bronco’s first possession. With Casey Hampton and Troy Polamalu back you would have though the defense would have been stronger. Nick Eason replaced Aaron at DE and was no more effective than me sitting on the couch looking at him. The defense allowed QB Jay Cutler and the Broncos offense to convert 70% of their third down conversions.

And the offense faired no better. With Champ Bailey out and the Broncos run protection at an all time low, you would have though this would have been a run away considering how the Steelers thumped on the Seattle Seahawks two weeks ago. This was a disappointing loss to say the least. And it leaves me with concerns going into the next three weeks.

First of all, we don’t have to worry about another bye week. Apparently the Steelers should not rest on their laurels. We might want to remember that if they get to the playoffs. The Steelers won the Super Bowl in 2005 without any rest.

Secondly, the Steelers will face all three divisional foes in the next three weeks. Only Cleveland is the stronger of the bunch. (remember what I said after the Cleveland game…we need to watch for them). Baltimore still has not offense. Their running game is shotty at best and the defense is no longer scary. Cincinnati is nothing without WR Chris Henry. If you double team CJ and TJ, Chris will burn you and since he is still on suspension there is no reason not to beat up the Bengals besides they still have no defense. A win over the Steelers Sunday would move the Bengals to within one game of first place in the AFC North. It would also be the Bengals' first victory at home over the Steelers in nearly six years

It will be up the Steeler D to confuse QB Carson Palmer into mistakes. He can be rattled and rattled he must be. The Bengals are trying to dig themselves out of the hole they created, 2-4 in the division standing-cellar dwellers and the Steelers need to keep them there. This is the first meeting with this team, and when the Steelers meet with them again Dec 2 it will be with WR Chris Henry in the line up.

The Steeler D still have not allowed a 100 yard rusher thus far this year. RB Rudy Johnson is questionable with a groin strain and has averaged 3 yards per carry so far this year. He is not what he once was and neither is the offensive line (which about the same as the Steeler o-line and that is not saying much). However back up RB Kenny Watson had a great day running all over the NY Jets on Sunday rushing 130 yards and 3 TDs. So it seems the Bengals are getting back on track with their running game.

Tomlin was quoted to say in his press conference, 6 games does not determine the character of a football team. If that is the case, the Steelers better plan on stepping up their game against this division opponent. After the Bengals are the Ravens, then the Browns. Lets’s Go Steelers