alittlejazzbird
10-06-2007, 03:14 PM
Steelers and Seahawks excerpts from the article (story link follows). It's a good assessment of the Steelers' strengths and weaknesses, I think:
Pittsburgh Steelers
This is what makes them legitimately good: The NFL's second-ranked defense, which is eighth against the run and pass; the league's third-best rushing attack, and a smart, even-tempered rookie coach in Mike Tomlin. The Steelers are capable of making most opposing offenses one-dimensional, which opens the door for defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau to turn loose his wide variety of zone-blitzing (the Steelers have gotten sacks from nine different players this season). Offensive coordinator Bruce Arians has shown a willingness to be more wide open with the passing game, although that didn't work so well in a Week 4 loss at Arizona. The Steelers still tend to be at their best when they use their traditional power-oriented approach.
This is what makes them potentially vulnerable: A big-play passing attack can have success against the Steelers' secondary, especially on the perimeter. The Seahawks will pose such a challenge in Week 5. Ben Roethlisberger has rebounded well from his poor 2006 season, but still is not a consistently proficient pocket passer. When faced with pressure, his first instinct is to run outside. Opponents that do a good job of containing him can force him to take sacks or hurry him into poor throws.
Seattle Seahawks
This is what makes them legitimately good: A strong passing game, with efficient Matt Hasselbeck throwing to speedy receivers Deion Branch and Nate Burleson, as well as savvied veteran Bobby Ingram. The ability to run the ball well, provided Shaun Alexander is healthy. A relentless pass rush, led by linebacker Julian Peterson along with Patrick Kerney and Daryl Tapp coming off the edges. The Seahawks trust cornerbacks Marcus Trufant and Kelly Jennings to play man coverage most of the time (although that could prove dangerous against Pittsburgh receivers Santonio Holmes and Nate Washington), which gives them extra people to crowd the line and force opponents to become one-dimensional. Their pass rush usually gets the job done on third-and-long.
This is what makes them potentially vulnerable: Alexander's shaky health, which has contributed to the Seahawks' ranking 17th in the NFL in rushing. Center Chris Spencer has excellent mobility, but lacks the power to be consistently effective when facing larger and stronger defensive tackles.
http://www.nfl.com/news/story;jsessionid=8D1803861E41C834CCAD567BC3C3B57A? id=09000d5d802fcaf3&template=with-video&confirm=true
Pittsburgh Steelers
This is what makes them legitimately good: The NFL's second-ranked defense, which is eighth against the run and pass; the league's third-best rushing attack, and a smart, even-tempered rookie coach in Mike Tomlin. The Steelers are capable of making most opposing offenses one-dimensional, which opens the door for defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau to turn loose his wide variety of zone-blitzing (the Steelers have gotten sacks from nine different players this season). Offensive coordinator Bruce Arians has shown a willingness to be more wide open with the passing game, although that didn't work so well in a Week 4 loss at Arizona. The Steelers still tend to be at their best when they use their traditional power-oriented approach.
This is what makes them potentially vulnerable: A big-play passing attack can have success against the Steelers' secondary, especially on the perimeter. The Seahawks will pose such a challenge in Week 5. Ben Roethlisberger has rebounded well from his poor 2006 season, but still is not a consistently proficient pocket passer. When faced with pressure, his first instinct is to run outside. Opponents that do a good job of containing him can force him to take sacks or hurry him into poor throws.
Seattle Seahawks
This is what makes them legitimately good: A strong passing game, with efficient Matt Hasselbeck throwing to speedy receivers Deion Branch and Nate Burleson, as well as savvied veteran Bobby Ingram. The ability to run the ball well, provided Shaun Alexander is healthy. A relentless pass rush, led by linebacker Julian Peterson along with Patrick Kerney and Daryl Tapp coming off the edges. The Seahawks trust cornerbacks Marcus Trufant and Kelly Jennings to play man coverage most of the time (although that could prove dangerous against Pittsburgh receivers Santonio Holmes and Nate Washington), which gives them extra people to crowd the line and force opponents to become one-dimensional. Their pass rush usually gets the job done on third-and-long.
This is what makes them potentially vulnerable: Alexander's shaky health, which has contributed to the Seahawks' ranking 17th in the NFL in rushing. Center Chris Spencer has excellent mobility, but lacks the power to be consistently effective when facing larger and stronger defensive tackles.
http://www.nfl.com/news/story;jsessionid=8D1803861E41C834CCAD567BC3C3B57A? id=09000d5d802fcaf3&template=with-video&confirm=true