'D' widening gap against opponents

[83-Steelers-43]

Steelers 'D' widening gap against opponents
By John Harris
TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Wednesday, September 26, 2007

After three games, the Steelers lead the NFL in fewest points allowed (26), and opponents are averaging 79.7 yards rushing. Coach Mike Tomlin said it all starts up front with defensive linemen who believe in "gap integrity."

"These guys have an understanding of their responsibility first. That is just part of playing team defense, playing good football," Tomlin said Tuesday. "These guys take care of their responsibility and then they fly to the football and play together."

Apparently, the defense that flies to the football together, wins together.

Tomlin said the same basic defensive fundamentals exist under him because Dick LeBeau remains the defensive coordinator.

"When you build a reputation of play the way they are playing, it's something you have to earn on a day-to-day basis," Tomlin said. "They come into this building every day with the mind-set of getting better and maintaining that level of expectation. They do it because they play together. They have an understanding of where each man fits in the big picture."

Center of attention

Tomlin said he was impressed with center Sean Mahan's ability to play with a knee sprain against San Francisco.

"We expect him to have a little discomfort, which he had (Monday)," Tomlin said of Mahan, who was fitted with a brace during the game. "We may limit him somewhat (today) in practice, but we expect him to be up and running and ready to go definitely by Thursday.

"More than anything, we don't want to rush to judging with regards to the status of Sean. We expect him to be fine."

Starting guard Kendall Simmons and rookie Darnell Stapleton are Mahan's backups.

Up in the air

Rookie tight end Matt Spaeth could miss his second consecutive game with a deep thigh bruise if he can't practice today and Thursday.

"He is getting a little bit more flexibility in his leg when he runs," Tomlin said.

Digits

2 - Number of overtime games the Steelers and Cardinals have played against each other since 1994.

http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/sports/s_529343.html

[Galax Steeler]

I think our deffense is looking reall good this year.They look alot better then last year.

[GeneralRobinson]

Rookie tight end Matt Spaeth could miss his second consecutive game with a deep thigh bruise if he can't practice today and Thursday
So why is he listed as probable?

[83-Steelers-43]

So why is he listed as probable?

It seems that the Trib and the PPG differ on Spaeth's status for Sunday.

Ed Bouchette of the PPG is reporting that he is probable.

The Trib is stating that he is questionable. It's going to depend on much he practices this week.

No idea.

[rog]

I like the line " Apparently the defense that flies to the ball together wins together.

The defense is looking great so far and the offense is helping tremendously by holding on to the ball not to mention letting the D play with a lead.

[rbryan]

It seems that the Trib and the PPG differ on Spaeth's status for Sunday.

Ed Bouchette of the PPG is reporting that he is probable.
The Trib is stating that he is questionable. It's going to depend on much he practices this week.

No idea.

Somebody needs to explain to Ed that he isn't in charge of making these decisions. lol

It's human nature to like a writer who is pro Steelers, but the more I listen to him the more I realize what a gas bag he is.

[83-Steelers-43]

Somebody needs to explain to Ed that he isn't in charge of making these decisions. lol

It's human nature to like a writer who is pro Steelers, but the more I listen to him the more I realize what a gas bag he is.

How do you know it's Bouchette making the wrong call or the assumption?

I'll take Bouchette over what the Trib spits out every day when it comes to the Steelers. While I don't always agree with Bouchette, I'll take his word over the hacks at ESPN (Patriots already won the Super Bowl if you ask them) or the other morons on the outside who do not watch this team week in and week out. Just my preference.

But hey, they are the Pittsburgh media......they are all evil right? They need to start hiring Steeler fans off the street.. :yawn:

We would have a "STEELERS ARE GOING TO THE SUPER BOWL" article once a week if that were the case.

[Haiku_Dirtt]

We would have a "STEELERS ARE GOING TO THE SUPER BOWL" article once a week if that were the case.

Isn't that the truth.

[83-Steelers-43]

Isn't that the truth.

I'm standing on the top level of Heinz Field during the Bills game (not the 49ers game, the Bills game) and I'm already hearing "I got a feeling". I have nothing against it, that's what they choose to play and what they feel, but thankfully they are not writing for the PPG.

[tony hipchest]

is it me or (other than patriot fans constantly crying about being disrespected), is there any other fanbase out there that absolutely hates anything written about their team more than the steelerfans?

if they get good pub its bad cause they can no longer "fly under the radar" and its "blowing their cover", "we like being the underdog". if they get bad pub it is always from a "pats homer" and they are "being dissed". as much as steelerfans like the underdog role, they sure hate not having that high power ranking, or not being the favorites in a game.

if they get neutral pub they "are stating the obvious" = worthless article. sometimes i dont know why some fans even bother reading about or following the team.

if bouchette said hes probable its probably because he is probably gonna play :hunch:

[83-Steelers-43]

Damned if you do. Damned if you don't.

Eitherway, it's amusing to watch it unfold. Some should just send in applications to the PPG. Would love to see that.

[beSteelmyheart]

is it me or (other than patriot fans constantly crying about being disrespected), is there any other fanbase out there that absolutely hates anything written about their team more than the steelerfans?

if they get good pub its bad cause they can no longer "fly under the radar" and its "blowing their cover", "we like being the underdog". if they get bad pub it is always from a "pats homer" and they are "being dissed". as much as steelerfans like the underdog role, they sure hate not having that high power ranking, or not being the favorites in a game.

if they get neutral pub they "are stating the obvious" = worthless article. sometimes i dont know why some fans even bother reading about or following the team.

if bouchette said hes probable its probably because he is probably gonna play :hunch:

You are so right! Before the games so far when they were all picking the Steelers to win, it made me uncomfortable, like it was becoming some sort of superstition about being expected to win.. The Steelers are quietly taking care of business & are starting to get noticed on NFL Live. Tho I love to hear about them, I don't want to hear their predictions...
Predictions??? We don't need no stinking predictions!!
Let them keep on glorifying the media queens & let us quietly sit back & keep saying "We'll see"

[Preacher]

is it me or (other than patriot fans constantly crying about being disrespected), is there any other fanbase out there that absolutely hates anything written about their team more than the steelerfans?

if they get good pub its bad cause they can no longer "fly under the radar" and its "blowing their cover", "we like being the underdog". if they get bad pub it is always from a "pats homer" and they are "being dissed". as much as steelerfans like the underdog role, they sure hate not having that high power ranking, or not being the favorites in a game.

if they get neutral pub they "are stating the obvious" = worthless article. sometimes i dont know why some fans even bother reading about or following the team.

if bouchette said hes probable its probably because he is probably gonna play :hunch:

:sofunny::sofunny:

Hey Tony... That is hilarious...and so true.