Steelers/NFL
Latest Buzz
Following the Pittsburgh Steelers 27-17 win over the Minnesota Vikings, there was a lot of talk about the Vikings missed opportunities.
“We’re pretty fourtaunte to win that football game, to say the least,” Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin said in his post-game comments.
The Vikings out-gained the Steelers 386 to 259 and won the time of possession by nearly 13 minutes.
Regardless of the perception by some that the Vikings gave Pittsburgh the game or the notion that the refs were in Pittsburgh’s favor, the Steelers defense capitalized on Minnesota’s turnovers which was the difference in the game.
Offense fails to take advantage of field position
The Steelers offense was over-thinking at times which was evident in some of the play calling. The Steelers played very conservative in certain situations and didn’t take many shots down the field.
Rashard Mendenhall had a costly turn-over in the redzone which has taken away the impressive game he had. Mendenhall rushed for 69 yards on 10 carries, an average of 6.9 yards per carry. That’s a very good offensive line the Steelers were going up against.
Mendenhall’s reads were very good and the Steelers continue to run the ball well to the right side.
With the bye week, we’re going to hear continuously how Mendenhall has serious issues holding onto the ball.
Yes, Mendenhall holds the ball too high but last week’s fumble was a fluke play and today’s fumble was just a mental error by Mendenhall jumping in the air when he was 5 yards from the goal line.
His issues are very fixable.
Quick Hits
*Three neutral zone infractions on Casey Hampton this afternoon. You don’t see that happen too often.
*One positive sign for the Steelers moving forward is that LaMarr Woodley appears to be getting out of his slump.
*Mike Wallace has great speed to go along with a strong upper body. Good student of the game and has really improved his route running since training camp. He’s only going to get better.
Still concerned with the oppositions ability to pass on the Steelers. Not enough adjustments being made to limit the short passes. Corners need to play more aggressive but defensive scheme doesn’t allow it.
Injury Report
* Lawrence Timmons left the stadium in a walking boot after injuring his ankle in the second half. Early indications are the injury is a 1-3 week injury. He’s going to need the time off. Timmons had seven tackles before getting injured when he tripped over a teammate who was on the ground.
Travis Kirschke suffered a calf injury. He is expected to be okay.
