Suisham

[TAmes]

Originally Posted by steelax04

Agreed... I'd put it on the offense for not being able to punch it in rather than Suisham for keeping today's game close. He basically kicked what amounted to two PATs today (distance wise). That's where the offense needs to get 7, imho.

No argument here that the red zone offense needs to put TDs on the board, but when it doesn't, Suisham needs to do his job and put up 3 points.

He's 6/10 this year from beyond 40 yards, close to a 50/50 proposition. If the Steelers are facing 4th and short from around the 23 yard line, the odds almost favor going for it on 4th down instead of letting Suisham shank his kick.

It's incredibly demoralizing to the team when it drives almost the length of the field and the kicker doesn't put points on the board with attempts from a reasonable distance, and every time Suisham misses a 40 yd field goal, it gives the opponent decent field position.

I've said it before -- Reed might be a head case now, and he melted down last year, but he was money from between 40 and 50 yds, especially with the game on the line. And given parity among teams these days, kickers need to put those FGs on the board.

Suisham might be the best alternative at this point, but I'd certainly start thinking about auditioning other kickers.

[casteeler]

The reason the Steelers didn't run is ball on the last drive is because he is not trustworthy

[OX1947]

I do not know why the Steelers didnt go after Akers this off season. He kicked in the PA weather for year and was pretty damn good.

[TRH]

Originally Posted by SH-Rock

You got to remember it was being played at Heinz Field, the toughest stadium to kick FGs in.

+ 1. The other teams kickers don't fare much, if any better, either.
That said, I think Suisham is money inside a 40 yarder. Outside of a 40 yarder, i don't have confidence in him and it could cost us in an important or playoff game.

But he's definitely better than "i can't even get my kickoffs to the other 25 yard-line Reed".

[theplatypus]

Originally Posted by OX1947

I do not know why the Steelers didnt go after Akers this off season. He kicked in the PA weather for year and was pretty damn good.

$$$$

[steelfury02]

let's get that TD so we don't have to worry about it! Love that we got a huge win but doubley love the fact we can get even better. I think we left at least 2 TDs out there.

[TRH]

Originally Posted by steelfury02

let's get that TD so we don't have to worry about it! Love that we got a huge win but doubley love the fact we can get even better. I think we left at least 2 TDs out there.

thats TRUE! If this team could score in the red zone (especially in the 4th quarter!!!!!!), we wouldn't have to worry so much.

[steelfury02]

not saying there might not be a better kicker out there - but I like Suisham - he is clearly better at this point than Reed is lol.

Plus - he didn't choke any worse than the Pats kicker (not counting the lovely Charlie brown onsides)

[stlrtruck]

Anything outside of 30 yards, makes me nervous with this guy. I do hope the Steelers address this in the off-season. Because I certainly don't see them addressing it anytime soon.

[FanSince72]

Originally Posted by steelerchad

Really happy with today's outcome. Only real negatives. Ben's one INT that set up the Pats to get back into the game and Suisham's missed 42 yd field goal.

3 of 4 FG's is fine, but this guy makes me nervous. I don't have the confidence that he is going to make the big kick. A 42 yarder into the closed end with fairly good weather needs to be made. Especially when that kick can close out a big win.

Oh, and also. How is it that every other kicker in the league now kicks the ball 8 yards deep in the endzone and this guy still barely gets it to the goal line and duffs one out of bounds at the 10 after our first TD to set the Pats up at the 40.

Will this guy cost us a win this year? Thoughts?

Well, another way to look at it is, what is it that keeps us from scoring and having to settle for field goals in the first place?

Let's face it, we played well enough yesterday to have won 37-17 but we stalled on several occasions. So as sweet as this win was, there's still some wrinkles that need to be ironed out.