Does Anyone Really Think This Team Is Ready For Week 1?

[Purple Nurple]

[quote name='Doctor Who?' timestamp='1315188148' post='777356']


That big play will probably be Troy running and jumping over the line and forcing flacco to fumble
[/quote]
People here have extended you two new guys an olive branch but you're really going to wear out your welcome quickly.

[Doctor Who?]

[quote name='hawkprey' timestamp='1315023888' post='775167']
Even last year we could beat them. All we have to do is not blow it this time. I don't understand how their team could have gotten any better since last year.
[/quote]

Pitt got a lot better offensively this year..I cant think of another team with the caliber and depth that Pitt has at WR. Also got younger along the Defensive line as well. Offensive line is a wash, because both will be patchwork and just average at best

[quote name='Purple Nurple' timestamp='1315188303' post='777365']
People here have extended you two new guys an olive branch but you're really going to wear out your welcome quickly.
[/quote]

not really sure what you could find wrong with that, because its happened before, and there is a good chance that Troy could do it again come sunday

[berad]

[quote name='Doctor Who?' timestamp='1315188537' post='777370']

Pitt got a lot better offensively this year..[b]I cant think of another team with the caliber and depth that Pitt has at WR.[/b] Also got younger along the Defensive line as well. Offensive line is a wash, because both will be patchwork and just average at best



not really sure what you could find wrong with that, because its happened before
[/quote]

Green Bay.

[Ravensfan23]

I don't know if everyone else has seen this or if I'm the only one. If i'm the only one, maybe it's just wishful thinking on my part.

However, In re-watching 3 of the 4 preseason games, this offense looks a lot different from last years. Not just personnel wise, but formations and play illustrations as well.

We've run so many bunch formations this preseason and I think that fits well for guys like Doss, Pitta, Reed and Boldin. Let other guys clear things out and give them the chance to catch and run.

I've also seen the offense run double moves with Evans deep that Flacco wasn't able to hit on because of poor protection. If our revamped oline can give Joe time, we'll attack down field much more this year.

I can't count the amount of times the TE position has attacked the seams of the defense.

2 TE sets, 3WR 1TE bunch formations, running the zone stretch play, running play action off of that stretch play, hell Dennis Pitta ran a triple move on the first play of the preseason.

The numbers might not suggest is and the national media would definitely disagree, but that Steelers defense had their hands filled with our offense last year and that was without the ability to attack their secondary.

This year we have seemingly better personnel and so far are using them differently then last year. Don't be surprised to see our offense have that Steelers defense off balanced early on in this game because they just couldn't game plan really well for us.

Do they load the box to shut down the run because we've added Leach and Ricky to go with Rice, thus allowing Evans and Dickson to roam the secondary in man coverage. Or do they respect the speed of Evans, Dickson and Smith, thus keeping Troy P out of the box and in coverage where he's weakest?

I know I'm alone on this one, but I feel really good about this matchup for us.

Also the unpredictability of Pagano's new defense could cause plenty of issues for Ben, much like we did back in 06, when our defense confused him alot.

I don't know if the team is ready, but I know I am.

[Purple Nurple]

[quote name='Ravensstrike4424' timestamp='1315188996' post='777387']
only people that think we arnt ready are fair weather fans
[/quote]
That's just silly.

[hawkprey]

[quote name='Doctor Who?' timestamp='1315188537' post='777370']

Pitt got a lot better offensively this year..I cant think of another team with the caliber and depth that Pitt has at WR. Also got younger along the Defensive line as well. Offensive line is a wash, because both will be patchwork and just average at best

not really sure what you could find wrong with that, because its happened before, and there is a good chance that Troy could do it again come sunday
[/quote]

I agree that Pitt has good WRs, but they essentially traded Randel-El for Cotchery, which is a downgrade to me.

How did they get younger at D-line? Because of Heyward? A rookie doesn't qualify as an upgrade for one of the best DL in the game. So how did they get better defensively? They have the same starters they've always had, and most of them are on the downside of their careers.

I don't know the Steelers as well as you do since I'm not a fan, but these are actually questions. Not me demeaning you in question form (as I often do to people)

[Guest ArmyRaven52]

[quote name='Doctor Who?' timestamp='1315188537' post='777370']

Pitt got a lot better offensively this year.[b].I cant think of another team with the caliber and depth that Pitt has at WR[/b]. Also got younger along the Defensive line as well. Offensive line is a wash, because both will be patchwork and just average at best



not really sure what you could find wrong with that, because its happened before, and there is a good chance that Troy could do it again come sunday
[/quote]

The Saints.

[Ravensfan23]

[quote name='Doctor Who?' timestamp='1315188537' post='777370']

Pitt got a lot better offensively this year..I cant think of another team with the caliber and depth that Pitt has at WR. Also got younger along the Defensive line as well. Offensive line is a wash, because both will be patchwork and just average at best



not really sure what you could find wrong with that, because its happened before, and there is a good chance that Troy could do it again come sunday
[/quote]

Ok 2 things. First the Ravens don't have a patch work oline. They have a oline that will need to gel. It's a different.

While he may not be the same players, Mckinnie has pro bowl talent at LT and is a huge upgrade over last season. Grubbs is healthy this year and is arguably one of the most underrated LGs in the NFL. Birk while on his last legs, isn't terrible. He'll be much better without Chester playing beside him. Yanda is much like Grubbs. A really good Guard who doesn't get much hype around the league. However the Ravens might just have one of the if not the best Guard tandem in the NFL. Then at RT Oher will be a lot more comfortable and be able to dominate like in 09 at that position.

Again, our biggest issue is gelling, which probably won't even bee that big of an issues, because 4 or the 5 guys have played a lot of football together.

The second thing is. Troy P has played in about 20 games or so against the Ravens and has only 1 career sack. Yet people want to keep re-living it like its a common thing that happens.

What about when Troy P blitzed and he got blocked by Todd Heap as Flacco was hitting Housh for the game winning TD. That has happened before, and even though it won't be the same players why can't it happen again?

Back in 2006 when we had a capable QB and a couple WRs and a TE who could actually attack that defense deep, the Ravens abused Troy P. Both Clayton and DWill had TD catches over him. Why can't that happen again?

[Ravensstrike4424]

[quote name='ArmyRaven52' timestamp='1315189360' post='777393']

The Saints.
[/quote]

bears lol

[Doctor Who?]

[quote name='hawkprey' timestamp='1315189180' post='777391']

I agree that Pitt has good WRs, but they essentially traded Randel-El for Cotchery, which is a downgrade to me.

How did they get younger at D-line? Because of Heyward? A rookie doesn't qualify as an upgrade for one of the best DL in the game. So how did they get better defensively? They have the same starters they've always had, and most of them are on the downside of their careers.

I don't know the Steelers as well as you do since I'm not a fan, but these are actually questions. Not me demeaning you in question form (as I often do to people)
[/quote]

I dont see Cotchery as the same level as Randle El...i was frustrated when we got him back from the redskins. We wasted a roster spot on him, and never should have brought him back. Ziggy Hood, who will be taking over for Smith when hes gone. Hood took over when Smith went down last year, and I dont think the team missed a beat. Compare that to 2009 when smith went down and the defense went to crap. Hood will split time with Smith, keeping him healthy, and if Heyward is as good as they say he is, he might get some snaps as well. Keeping guys fresh is one of the most important things really.

Thats fine, i didnt see it as demeaning or anything, i could tell you were genuinely asking, so no worries on my end

[quote name='Ravensfan23' timestamp='1315189426' post='777396']

Back in 2006 when we had a capable QB and a couple WRs and a TE who could actually attack that defense deep, the Ravens abused Troy P. Both Clayton and DWill had TD catches over him. Why can't that happen again?
[/quote]

Because recent trends point towards that possibility not happening anytime soon

[Doctor Who?]

[quote name='ArmyRaven52' timestamp='1315189360' post='777393']

The Saints.
[/quote]

I think Pitt has better depth than the Saints

[Ravensfan23]

[quote name='Ravensstrike4424' timestamp='1315188996' post='777387']
only people that think we arnt ready are fair weather fans
[/quote]

To be honest, they have a right to think we won't be ready. Hell if you believe the media hype we'll only be good enough to win about 10 games this year.

We've had a good amount of change this year and most people fear change.

Not to mention we've been good enough to beat the Steelers in each of our last 5 games, but for whatever reason just couldn't hold on to 4th quarter leads to get it done.

So i can definitely understand why some fans have faith in this team, but are wary of the week 1 match up.

We'll just have to wait and see if their concerns are justified come Sunday(wow that felt good, come Sunday).

The fair-weather fans are the guys who have bashed Ozzie, Harbs, Cam, Joe, Torrey, Oher, and everyone else all offseason, but have since disappeared while Ozzie has improved the team and won't show up if and when the Ravens win in week one.

They'll just lay in the weeds and wait until something bad happens and then here they come.

But not blindly picking your favorite team to win every week doesn't mean your fair weather or don't have faith. It just means there's something about the matchup you aren't liking. So you share it with the flock and see what everyone else thinks about it.

[PuRock]

[quote name='Doctor Who?' timestamp='1315188537' post='777370']

Pitt got a lot better offensively this year..I cant think of another team with the[b] caliber and depth that Pitt has at WR[/b]. Also got younger along the Defensive line as well. Offensive line is a wash, because both will be patchwork and just average at best

[/quote]

An aging shell, a one trick pony, a guy with bad feet and a PS hero. Sure it can all come together, but it can also fall apart.

[Guest ArmyRaven52]

[quote name='Doctor Who?' timestamp='1315189623' post='777403']

I think Pitt has better depth than the Saints
[/quote]

And I think you are a serious homer while we are thinking. Really you have wallace, ward, sanders, and brown. To Colston, henderson, moore, and meachem. If you say so I guess. [img]http://content.boards.baltimoreravens.com//public/style_emoticons/default/surrender.gif[/img]

[hawkprey]

[quote name='Doctor Who?' timestamp='1315189584' post='777402']

I dont see Cotchery as the same level as Randle El...i was frustrated when we got him back from the redskins. We wasted a roster spot on him, and never should have brought him back. Ziggy Hood, who will be taking over for Smith when hes gone. Hood took over when Smith went down last year, and I dont think the team missed a beat. Compare that to 2009 when smith went down and the defense went to crap. Hood will split time with Smith, keeping him healthy, and if Heyward is as good as they say he is, he might get some snaps as well. Keeping guys fresh is one of the most important things really.

Thats fine, i didnt see it as demeaning or anything, i could tell you were genuinely asking, so no worries on my end
[/quote]

I remember Randel-El getting several big completions against us. Honestly I think he's better than Cotchery, who can't do much damage at this point in his career.

Since Hood already replaced Smith last year, I don't consider that as "getting younger".

I don't think the Steelers will be better on defense. First off, they were already really good last year. Hard to beat that 2010 run D. Also, having been "exposed" a few times last year in the secondary, they're going to face more 4-5 WR sets. Eventually LeBeau will find a way to compromise for that, but until then, teams will put up better passing numbers this year. Also, Polamalu is still injured (from what I hear), and a number of other old starters are facing health problems or have an injury history.

[colljb9]

Philadelphia- Jackson, Maclin, smith, cooper
Indianapolis- Collie, Wayne, Garcon

Just to give you a few examples to go along with green bay, and now ill explain to you why i'm not worried

[b]Hines ward[/b] is old and slow- chris carr or the experience of foxworth even off his injury could help here as ward has definitely lost a step
[b]Wallace[/b] is fast, very fast, but only 6 feet tall- jimmy smith (yes i said jimmy smith, dont care that he's a rookie) at 6 foot 2 will jam him at the line of scrimmage and is fast enough to keep up with wallace...he will throw off the timing and with our new pass rushers we will get sacks
[b]Cotchery [/b]​is a possession type guy whose not going to out run us, at 6 feet tall either jimmy smith or cary williams will jam him at the line as they are both big and physical, and easily fast enough to keep up
[b]Brown[/b] is a little worrisome because at 5 foot 10, our 2 bigger corners will have trouble turning with him, and our other 3 guys could have trouble keeping up. I could see brown needing a double team OR I know he's a rookie, and this will probably never happen and im not suggesting it BUT this is where i could see chykie brown playing in the game. He's 5-11 and is fast and physical..he could jam brown at the line and keep up with him down field...i know ill get burned for that last match up but its just an idea

[Militant X 1]

not one regular season game has been played yet and there are cats in here that have already laid down (mentality) to the steelers.

[img]http://content.boards.baltimoreravens.com//public/style_emoticons/default/th_snapoutofit.gif[/img] [img]http://content.boards.baltimoreravens.com//public/style_emoticons/default/th_snapoutofit.gif[/img]



~Mili

[PaintinPGPurple]

The Ravens will win 28 to 24 thanks to Pagano calling an aggressive game plan. The Ravens will have short fields and they will capitalize. The oline will keep a hobbled Harrison in check and Polamalu will be hit each play by a Ravens blocker leaving him badly hobbled by the rnd of the fourth quarter. Wallace will be contained by Lardarius Webb, as he was on 10/4/10...Brown will score a two touchdowns against a soft zone with the Ravens playing a prevent defense late in the game. While driving down the field with 1:39 seconds left at the Ravens' 31 yd line on 3&6, Ben throws an interception after being flushed from the pocket. The Raven with interception, Carr, quickly falls to the ground. The offense comes out and downs it to thunderous applause!

[Doctor Who?]

[quote name='PuRock' timestamp='1315189944' post='777410']

An aging shell, a one trick pony, a guy with bad feet and a PS hero. Sure it can all come together, but it can also fall apart.
[/quote]

Hines Ward is the Ray Lewis of the Steelers
im gonna assume you mean that Brown was the PS hero, as in Post season hero, since it was browns 58 yard catch on 3rd and 19th, that was the nail in the coffin that took any chance the ravens had at mounting a comeback. If Sanders feet were still bad, he wouldnt have played and been practicing. Thats fine if wallace is a one trick pony, he will open things up for everyone else, although i would doubt you would feel that way if he was a raven

[quote name='hawkprey' timestamp='1315190039' post='777413']

I remember Randel-El getting several big completions against us. Honestly I think he's better than Cotchery, who can't do much damage at this point in his career.

Since Hood already replaced Smith last year, I don't consider that as "getting younger".

I don't think the Steelers will be better on defense. First off, they were already really good last year. Hard to beat that 2010 run D. Also, having been "exposed" a few times last year in the secondary, they're going to face more 4-5 WR sets. Eventually LeBeau will find a way to compromise for that, but until then, teams will put up better passing numbers this year. Also, Polamalu is still injured (from what I hear), and a number of other old starters are facing health problems or have an injury history.
[/quote]
There arent many teams that can pull off a 4 or 5 WR set that Green Bay did..in the AFC the Patriots are the only team that can pull that off against us, because you need the receivers and an elite QB to do that, the other 2 are the saints and green bay, and we dont have to play them this year

[hawkprey]

[quote name='PuRock' timestamp='1315189944' post='777410']

An aging shell, a one trick pony, a guy with bad feet and a PS hero. Sure it can all come together, but it can also fall apart.
[/quote]

Wait, I'm getting confused about their receivers. I expect the aging shell is... Cotchery? Ward? Both?

Hold on, this is fun.

One trick pony... hmm, that could be anyone.
The guy with bad feet probably isn't Ward, since he won dancing with the stars.
And who's the PS guy? And does PS stand for Practice Squad, PlayStation, or Perhaps Something else? It could be anyone!

I've learned nothing.

[hawkprey]

[quote name='Doctor Who?' timestamp='1315190288' post='777420']

There arent many teams that can pull off a 4 or 5 WR set that Green Bay did..in the AFC the Patriots are the only team that can pull that off against us, because you need the receivers and an elite QB to do that, the other 2 are the saints and green bay, and we dont have to play them this year
[/quote]

Every team can do a 4 WR set, and I believe the point is not to be a team that excels at it, but to keep LeBeau from doing anything crafty with Polamalu.

[Doctor Who?]

[quote name='PaintinPGPurple' timestamp='1315190254' post='777419']
The Ravens will win 28 to 24 thanks to Pagano calling an aggressive game plan. The Ravens will have short fields and they will capitalize. The oline will keep a hobbled Harrison in check and Polamalu will be hit each play by a Ravens blocker leaving him badly hobbled by the rnd of the fourth quarter. [b]Wallace will be contained by Lardarius Webb, as he was on 10/4/10[/b]...Brown will score a two touchdowns against a soft zone with the Ravens playing a prevent defense late in the game. While driving down the field with 1:39 seconds left at the Ravens' 31 yd line on 3&6, Ben throws an interception after being flushed from the pocket. The Raven with interception, Carr, quickly falls to the ground. The offense comes out and downs it to thunderous applause!
[/quote]
Yeah because having Batch throw you the ball is the same as Roethlisberger throwing you the ball....

[Guest ArmyRaven52]

Anyway back to week one, yes we are ready we are actually way more than ready. Maybe it is hopeless optimism but our Oline is shaping up to be very legit. Im talkin 08 09 legit. It all hinges on McKinnie, because I can only assume
Oher will improve from what he was at RT, along with Yanda. I like Gurode better than Birk honestly but either way you really cant go wrong, and Grubbs is also good. And we have gotten younger and faster everywhere so we are going to definitely hold our own and I think Joe shreds them given the opportunity (ahem Cam I will stop talking crap about you if you just open up some 4 wide sets.)

So that being said lets get this going.

[Ravensfan23]

[quote name='Doctor Who?' timestamp='1315189584' post='777402']

I dont see Cotchery as the same level as Randle El...i was frustrated when we got him back from the redskins. We wasted a roster spot on him, and never should have brought him back. Ziggy Hood, who will be taking over for Smith when hes gone. Hood took over when Smith went down last year, and I dont think the team missed a beat. Compare that to 2009 when smith went down and the defense went to crap. Hood will split time with Smith, keeping him healthy, and if Heyward is as good as they say he is, he might get some snaps as well. Keeping guys fresh is one of the most important things really.

Thats fine, i didnt see it as demeaning or anything, i could tell you were genuinely asking, so no worries on my end



Because recent trends point towards that possibility not happening anytime soon
[/quote]

Recent trends only matter when you have the same elements over and over again.

I'm not say the Ravens offense will destroy you guys or anything, because you are still one of the if not the best defense in the NFL, and you have what might be the greatest DC of all times.

However this offense is different with different pieces.

The zone blitz is your bread and butter on defense, what gives the zone blitz fits? A TE who can get into the seams quickly and/or find soft spots in the zone. Well we have 2 of them now and they both can be used together.

Back when Heap was in his prime he killed you guys, and that was with poor QB play. Now both Dickson and Pitta have a lot to prove before I'll give them an advantage over your defense, but being unproven doesn't mean those guys can't put pressure on your defense by attacking them.

The Pats really hurt you guys by using bunch formations and the Ravens have been doing a lot of that this preseason. Allow guys to run off your Safeties and get a guy like Boldin behind your blitzing LBs with space to run.

As much as Ravens fans are worried because they aren't sure what the offense will look like. The Steelers have to be concerned because they don't know who the new pieces will be used.

Game planning means alot, but you can't game plan probably for what you don't know. We have a great idea of what you defense will do to attack us and what we'll need to do to counter it.

But you guys have to go back and watch Bills games to game plan Lee Evans. You have to watch Texans games to pick up on how Leach likes to attack, you'll have to game plan for Ricky based off what he did with the Dolphins. And you'll just have to take your chances with Smith, Doss, Dickson, Pitta, Wilson and Reed.

So don't be so sure that past trends or history will repeat it's come Sunday(that still feels good, come Sunday) I love that football is back.

[Doctor Who?]

[quote name='Ravensfan23' timestamp='1315190807' post='777433']

Recent trends only matter when you have the same elements over and over again.

I'm not say the Ravens offense will destroy you guys or anything, because you are still one of the if not the best defense in the NFL, and you have what might be the greatest DC of all times.

However this offense is different with different pieces.

The zone blitz is your bread and butter on defense, what gives the zone blitz fits? A TE who can get into the seams quickly and/or find soft spots in the zone. Well we have 2 of them now and they both can be used together.

Back when Heap was in his prime he killed you guys, and that was with poor QB play. Now both Dickson and Pitta have a lot to prove before I'll give them an advantage over your defense, but being unproven doesn't mean those guys can't put pressure on your defense by attacking them.

The Pats really hurt you guys by using bunch formations and the Ravens have been doing a lot of that this preseason. Allow guys to run off your Safeties and get a guy like Boldin behind your blitzing LBs with space to run.

As much as Ravens fans are worried because they aren't sure what the offense will look like. The Steelers have to be concerned because they don't know who the new pieces will be used.

Game planning means alot, but you can't game plan probably for what you don't know. We have a great idea of what you defense will do to attack us and what we'll need to do to counter it.

But you guys have to go back and watch Bills games to game plan Lee Evans. You have to watch Texans games to pick up on how Leach likes to attack, you'll have to game plan for Ricky based off what he did with the Dolphins. And you'll just have to take your chances with Smith, Doss, Dickson, Pitta, Wilson and Reed.

So don't be so sure that past trends or history will repeat it's come Sunday(that still feels good, come Sunday) I love that football is back.
[/quote]

And those are all good points, and just goes to show that its a good thing i dont have to be the one game planning or anything like that. Im sure you guys have about as much faith in your coaching staff (i at least hope you do at least) and FO that we steeler fans do. When it comes down to it, all we have on hear is our opinions and our feelings on how things will turn out. So yeah, thank god for football, and that goodness its back in one week. As long as we have #7 lining up behind center, I will pull for him to beat the ravens every day of the week

[Militant X 1]

its always interesting to see these steelers fans showing up on our boards talking smack when it gets close to game time. smh!

~Mili

[Ravensfan23]

[quote name='colljb9' timestamp='1315190081' post='777414']
Philadelphia- Jackson, Maclin, smith, cooper
Indianapolis- Collie, Wayne, Garcon

Just to give you a few examples to go along with green bay, and now ill explain to you why i'm not worried

[b]Hines ward[/b] is old and slow- chris carr or the experience of foxworth even off his injury could help here as ward has definitely lost a step
[b]Wallace[/b] is fast, very fast, but only 6 feet tall- jimmy smith (yes i said jimmy smith, dont care that he's a rookie) at 6 foot 2 will jam him at the line of scrimmage and is fast enough to keep up with wallace...he will throw off the timing and with our new pass rushers we will get sacks
[b]Cotchery [/b]​is a possession type guy whose not going to out run us, at 6 feet tall either jimmy smith or cary williams will jam him at the line as they are both big and physical, and easily fast enough to keep up
[b]Brown[/b] is a little worrisome because at 5 foot 10, our 2 bigger corners will have trouble turning with him, and our other 3 guys could have trouble keeping up. I could see brown needing a double team OR I know he's a rookie, and this will probably never happen and im not suggesting it BUT this is where i could see chykie brown playing in the game. He's 5-11 and is fast and physical..he could jam brown at the line and keep up with him down field...i know ill get burned for that last match up but its just an idea
[/quote]

You forgot about Miller who's a pretty good TE.

I understand where you are going and I to think we match up well with their offense.

But the initial coverage isn't the problem for us.

While both Cary and Jimmy have sizable advantages over Brown and Wallace in the size department, and both have the foot speed to keep up with those guys. We have an very aggressive group of CBs. Cary, Jimmy and Webb all like to be aggressive and attack the routes.

If Ben gets out of the pocket and those WR run the scramble drill, we've got guys that will bite on the pump fake from time to time. If either one of those WRs gets behind the defense it's a TD.

So while we match up really well from a talent stand point, Ben is a whole other beast at the QB position so getting home with the blitz will be curial.

I have tremendous faith in our defense but that is something to watch for.

[latenighthero]

[quote name='Militant X 1' timestamp='1315191012' post='777439']
its always interesting to see these steelers fans showing up on our boards talking smack when it gets close to game time. smh!

~Mili
[/quote]
It's not smack, he's just sharing his opinion. I don't see why people have to be so combative on this board and can't just respectfully disagree.

[Doctor Who?]

[quote name='Militant X 1' timestamp='1315191012' post='777439']
its always interesting to see these steelers fans showing up on our boards talking smack when it gets close to game time. smh!

~Mili
[/quote]

posting differing opinions on things doesnt mean its smack

if i were to say "like OMZG, you will loose cuz flacco has a unibrow and sucks" then you could say i was talking smack....

[BALTIMOREFLACCO]

[quote name='PuRock' timestamp='1314982306' post='774406']

Stop being Negative Nate and enjoy some football. RIght now its 0-0 and we are tied for the divisional lead. The Ravens and Steelers always play close games, no matter what the handicaps are. I expect more of the same next week.

While we have concerns. The Steelers have concerns as well. O-Line is in shambles (w/ injuries), CBs aren't very deep and Taylor is coming back from injuries, Harrison is apparently looking sluggish and their defense is aging as well.

It's all a wash and it will be another classic in the Steelers-Ravens rivalry
[/quote]
[quote name='Alexir' timestamp='1314981996' post='774397']
Not overly concerned about it. Just the same amount of concern as any other time we play Pittsburgh. McKinnie is the only one that needs to Gel.

Grubbs and Yanda will be great. Yanda is back at his natural position. If Birk is truly healthy then I have nothing to worry about from him either, and I like our interior 3 versus Hampton and the others.

Oher is a natural Right Tackle. Don't care what Sandra Bullock or Tim McGraw say. That guy likes to hit people and block for running backs. So right there, 4 of 5 of our offensive line man are where they should be and if Healthy will help Joe and Ray a lot.

McKinnie will struggle but I am hearing that Harrison is not in football shape so he won't exactly be his 2008-2009 self. Plus we have Leach and Ricky there to keep Joe on his back if someone gets past.

I am not saying the Steelers defense will crumble against our line, I just don't see it being an onslaught on our line by their defense. Think both teams will win some in the trenches.

Evans and Boldin are better than any corner they have on their team. Period.

On Defense, their receivers are pretty fast so we will have to worry about that but Im not worried about our front 7 versus that makeshift offensive line.

Mendenhall toting the rock on 9/11 after the remarks he made in an away game at a rival stadium full of Fans that will be shouting "USA" everytime he gets a touch? Yeah, gonna put that up their with the infamous Ray Rice Text of things not to do to get Ray Lewis and company fired up.
[/quote]

Both sum up my feelings