For the second consecutive week, the inept Steelers Offense failed to score the measly 17 points required for victory. The barrage of penalties, dropped balls, and poor play calling has left little hope of improvement any time soon. Even the simple screen pass has turned into an adventure. The hopes of a play off run are all but terminated. Now, as Steeler fans, we have to figure out how to enjoy the rest of the season.
I'm going to start by holding on to the faint hope that the playoffs aren't out of reach.
I believe that 10 victories will get you into the post season. Out of the 6 remaining games, 2 are on the road. They have to go into Jacksonville, and into Kansas City. Seeing as they have always had success in K.C., it's not out of the question to assume they can beat the Chiefs. Getting by the Jaguars is another question, so I'll chalk that up as their lone defeat out of the 6.
Out of the remaining home games, the first 3 are against inferior opponents. Even with their recent struggles, they should be able to survive the Bengals, Ravens, and Panthers. If all goes as planned, that makes the final game of the year a very important rematch with the Titans. Even though they beat the Steelers on Sunday, I don't think they struck any fear into their hearts.
That leaves the Steelers at 10-6, and play off bound!
I know, they still have to find a way to get over the barrage of penalties, dropped balls, and poor play calling, but I am the eternal optimist, and I believe there is still hope. Our Defense is capable of keeping us in every game. Our Offense has to feel the urgency, and find a way to get the job done. The next couple of weeks will be Cowher's most important coaching duties he has ever had. If he can get that fire lit, and have them start playing with some intensity, the above scenario is not too far fetched.
If the Steelers lose 2 out of the remaining 6, turn out the lights. It's over. If that happens, the rest of the years enjoyment will have to be found in the development of our young players. And there are some good ones to keep an eye on. Malcolm Johnson is a 6-5 Wide Receiver we have yet to see play. His size intrigues me, and I wonder why he hasn't been put into the game plan yet. Another one is Running Back Amos Zereoue. He showed great promise during the spring, but got put in the dog house after being charged with DWI. It's time to forgive, and forget, so we can see what this kid can do.
The thing that has me excited for the future, is our problem of the present. Our Wide Receivers. I think this core of young players will develop into one of the leagues best groups. We have to remember how young they are. Will Blackwell is only in his third year. Hines Ward is in his second, as well as Bobby Shaw. Troy Edwards has shown flashes of brilliance in his rookie year. Add rookie Malcolm Johnson to this group, and I see nothing but potential. They need the coaches to bring that potential out. If they can do it fast enough, it might even help out this year.
The next 6 games can offer a lot of hope, or a lot of heartache. I know this season hasn't turned out the way we had all wanted it to, but maybe there is still a fighting chance. Maybe the light didn't turn off. It could still be flickering.
by Steelergil (Nov. 22, 99)