Steelers/Jags game tidbits

[HometownGal]

Notebook: Jaguars adjust defensive line before game with Steelers

By Scott Brown
TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Thursday, December 13, 2007


• Like the Steelers, the Jaguars have suffered a significant loss along their defensive line. Jacksonville, which plays the Steelers at Heinz Field on Sunday, placed 6-foot-6, 310-pound tackle Marcus Stroud on injured reserve Wednesday. Stroud hurt his ankle in the Jaguars' 37-6 win over the Panthers on Sunday, and the three-time Pro Bowler is out for the rest of the season. Stroud had teamed with 6-7, 335-pound John Henderson to give the Jaguars one of the top tackle tandems in the NFL. The Jaguars won't lose any girth in Stroud's absence, at least when Grady Jackson is in the game. Jackson is 6-2 and weighs 345 pounds. "He's bigger than (Stroud and Henderson) put together," Steelers running back Willie Parker said.

• Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger didn't practice because of a sore shoulder. Other Steelers who missed practice included wide receiver Hines Ward (coach's decision), left tackle Marvel Smith (coach's decision), cornerback Bryant McFadden (ankle) and outside linebacker Andre Frazier (groin). All are expected to play Sunday.

• The Jaguars have already ruled two players out for the 1 p.m. game, defensive end Reggie Hayward (groin) and linebacker Mike Peterson (hand). Running back Fred Taylor (coach's decision), cornerback Rashean Mathis (coach's decision), guard Vincent Manuwai (foot) and defensive tackle Jeremy Mincey (hamstring) didn't practice for Jacksonville.

Digits

1 - Jaguars quarterback David Garrard's NFL rank in third-down passing.
73.2 - Garrard's completion percentage on third down.

125.9 - Garrard's passing rating on third down.

http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/trib.../s_542480.html


Third down passing is where I believe the Steelers D has their biggest problem. They are going to have to be on their toes against the Jags. Thank God Troy is coming back this Sunday.

[RP_McMurphy]

FYI- Mathias has been nursing a sore hammy since the San Diego game. He was even rested in the second half against Carolina.

[geo123]

The jags scored 36, 25, 37 in their last three games. Even if our defense holds them to 20 our offense has to put points up. I'd like to see 31, but I'll settle for 24.

[RP_McMurphy]

Key for Jacksonville has been the running game. It has been really clicking lately with Fred Taylor running much better. This has forced teams to move a safety in the box and left one on one coverage on the outside. Thus Jacksonville has used this for alot of longer passes.

[Rotorhead]

Well we all know they shouldnt run to well against us. We should be ok in this game as they are not a big passing team. It will be a grind-it-out type of game we always have against these guys but i think our QB and receivers are better and we will win