*** Official Steelers vs Colts Thread ***

[IggyWH]

This game is easily the least talked about game on this forum. With my newly noticed title, I figured I was obligated to get this thread started.

I think it's pretty clear how most people feel about this game. They think the Steelers are going to get killed. Most places have the Steelers 9.5 dogs while a couple places have them at 10.

What are your feelings on this game? Please at least give a good reply on why you think that way.

[derosnec]

If you were Cowher, would you blitz Manning? That's the one thing I can't decide what Pittsburgh should do.

[IggyWH]

[ QUOTE ]
If you were Cowher, would you blitz Manning? That's the one thing I can't decide what Pittsburgh should do.

[/ QUOTE ]

Yes and no, erroring more on no.

I don't think a constant blitz can rattle Manning, or even get to him (since he does have one of the best O lines in football).

I think you got to use the blitz to throw him off rhythm at key times in the game. Focus mainly on dropping your men into coverage, letting up some short over-the-middle garbage, but taking away any deep ball, big play gains.

The one drawback of a defense like this is Edge will have some early room to run. It's going to be key to make those first contact tackles and really rely on Troy for run support while also making sure no deep balls get behind him.

Sounds quite easy, doesn't it? [img]/images/graemlins/tongue.gif[/img]

[BadBoyBenny]

From the other thread, here's my plan.

[ QUOTE ]
Late in the Bengals game the Steelers showed some defensive formations with only 1 or 2 defensive linemen. Very similar to what the Pats did to the Colts in last year's playoffs.

I am hoping that they just come out like this, play 9 man zones, mix in some weird blitzes, and count on their linebackers to makes plays against the run. It is really their only shot.

If they try to make Ike man up on Marvin, it is pretty much over, it still is even if he gets help from Polamolu over the top, because Troy will be exposed overcommitting (he does this routinely, but usually makes up for it with speed).

[/ QUOTE ]

Start Hampton and Smith and rotate in Hoke for the 2 DT's. With Harrison unlikely to play, they might be better off with 5 DB's and 4 linebackers. With the mikelback in, Polamolu can play closer to the line, move all around the field presnap, and blitz occasionally.

Don't panic if they run for 80-100 yards the first half, and look to strip the receivers after the quick slants and outs.

Be aggressive on special teams, not an onside kick, but try to block a punt or two.

The silent count must work, and if the right tackle can't contain Freeney 'cause he is lining up too far outside, put the tight end or fulback in motion over to his side, or go with two tight ends.

Corey Simon won't be able to play every down, so be smart about when to run up the middle.

[TheNoodleMan]

Freeny lines up against the LT, not right.

[BadBoyBenny]

My mistake.

Anyway this makes more sense, since the TE would already be next to the right tackle.

[sam h]

[ QUOTE ]
Start Hampton and Smith and rotate in Hoke for the 2 DT's. With Harrison unlikely to play, they might be better off with 5 DB's and 4 linebackers. With the mikelback in, Polamolu can play closer to the line, move all around the field presnap, and blitz occasionally.

Don't panic if they run for 80-100 yards the first half, and look to strip the receivers after the quick slants and outs.

Be aggressive on special teams, not an onside kick, but try to block a punt or two.

The silent count must work, and if the right tackle can't contain Freeney 'cause he is lining up too far outside, put the tight end or fulback in motion over to his side, or go with two tight ends.

Corey Simon won't be able to play every down, so be smart about when to run up the middle.

[/ QUOTE ]

This looks like a good plan to me. You have to give them the run and allow them to move the ball a bit, making them earn as many first downs as possible on each drive.

If I was a Steelers fan, my biggest concern right now would be Bill Cowher. This is a winnable game for a Steelers team that is really peaking. But the things the Steelers must do to win this game involve moving away from the cliches of smashmouth football. They have to give up the run on defense and open it up a bit on offense. The question is whether Cowher will be too stubborn to do this.

[mostsmooth]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
Start Hampton and Smith and rotate in Hoke for the 2 DT's. With Harrison unlikely to play, they might be better off with 5 DB's and 4 linebackers. With the mikelback in, Polamolu can play closer to the line, move all around the field presnap, and blitz occasionally.

Don't panic if they run for 80-100 yards the first half, and look to strip the receivers after the quick slants and outs.

Be aggressive on special teams, not an onside kick, but try to block a punt or two.

The silent count must work, and if the right tackle can't contain Freeney 'cause he is lining up too far outside, put the tight end or fulback in motion over to his side, or go with two tight ends.

Corey Simon won't be able to play every down, so be smart about when to run up the middle.

[/ QUOTE ]

This looks like a good plan to me. You have to give them the run and allow them to move the ball a bit, making them earn as many first downs as possible on each drive.

If I was a Steelers fan, my biggest concern right now would be Bill Cowher. This is a winnable game for a Steelers team that is really peaking. But the things the Steelers must do to win this game involve moving away from the cliches of smashmouth football. They have to give up the run on defense and open it up a bit on offense. The question is whether Cowher will be too stubborn to do this.

[/ QUOTE ]
and please, no crazy onside kicks

[TheGame1020]

Cowher has to open up our offense, throw deep. We saw last week how that worked out. Wilson having his best game as a Steeler.

As for Manning, run the nickel a lot. Drop back into coverage, don't blitz.

Any team can beat any other team in the NFL on "any given sunday", anything is possible.

[derosnec]

Yeah Cowher can open it up against a not-so-impressive Indy secondary. We have great receivers and Cowher needs to use them. They need to go to Hines Ward way more often.