The Steelers finished up a pretty dismal season by getting pasted by the Tennessee Titans, 47-36. Although the Steelers did display some moments of brilliance, the inconsistencies came through once again, as they gave up big play, after big play.
Tomczak had 2 fumbles returned for touchdowns, and he also had an interception just before the half. That errant throw put an end to the Steelers thoughts of tying it up 14-14 at the intermission. Instead, the Titans added another 17 points in the matter of 62 seconds, and the hometown team was behind 31-7. Game, set, match.
Yes, they did put up a valiant effort to get back in the game, but it was too little, too late. Now the Steelers have to decide. Is it time to rebuild, or reload.
Most people figure the Offense is to blame for the Steelers woeful season. But a closer look reveals that the team averaged 20 points per game over the last 8 contests. The problem, is they gave up an average of 26 points over that same span. Result- 1 win, 7 losses. It is safe to say that our Defense let us down big time.
When a season goes as dismally as the one we just endured, someone must pay the price for the futility. Bill Cowher? Not a chance. It's not the Rooney way. Jim Haslett? Probably. This team for some reason forgot how to tackle, and that was the main reason for the decline to mediocrity. The blame rests squarely on his shoulders whether that is fair, or not. I'm not saying he will be fired, but it wouldn't surprise me. The team needs a scapegoat, and he is the most likely.
That being said, I don't think this unit needs rebuilding. Reloading, yes. Jeremy Staat has filled in admirably in the absence of Joel Steed, and he is starting to learn the position very well. Given a little more time, he could be an improvement, considering he has 2 healthy knees. The Nose Tackle must be a Defensive force to have any stability in the 3-4 Defense. A hurting Steed was having a hard time being dominant. Staat could be the answer.
Apart from Jason Gildon, there wasn't another player who could put pressure on the opposing Quarterbacks. Enter Joey Porter. It's too bad it took him so long to learn the Defense. They could have used him this year. He is very Kearse-like, and looks like a player that can dominate. I'm looking forward to watching him shine next year.
Another player we should see some improvement in, is Safety Scott Shields. In limited action, he recorded 31 tackles, added a sack, and led the team with 4 interceptions. Travis Davis was adequate at the position, but improvement is needed. Too many big plays were given up by the secondary, and I'm sure Scott Shields will be given every opportunity to win a starters job.
On the Offensive side, I think we just need a slight reload as well. Here is where I get everyone mad at me.
I believe Kordell Stewart is the answer at Quarterback!
First of all, the Steelers have too much money invested in him to let him play anywhere else. Secondly, I think he has the talent to get the job done. He just has to get over his fragile psych that brings him down, and causes him to make poor decisions. If he can learn to ignore the boo's, and the rumors, he will be well on the road to recovery. Better yet, if the fans stop the boo's, and spreading rumors, they will see a very talented Quarterback lead us back to greatness.
That is only my personal opinion, but one I truly believe. I watched him play in '97, and I can't accept the fact that he could have lost all that talent. He has to spend the offseason to get his head on straight. When that happens, his arm and legs will spring back to life.
Another area that needs reloading is the Offensive Line. The addition of Shar Pourdanish at Right Tackle has improved the group immensely. He did allow Jevon Kearse the one sack that resulted in a fumble recovery for a touchdown, but other than that he has been a big improvement. The return of a healthy Kris Farris, and Justin Strzelczyk, might be all the reloading this unit needs. If this group can become stable, the running game will improve greatly. Richard Huntley, and Jerome Bettis have proved they are very capable ball carriers. They just need some holes to run through.
The one area we must improve on is Wide Receiver. Hines Ward, and Troy Edwards are very high quality receivers, but neither is a number 1. This is the area that should be addressed in free agency. Maybe Steeler fan Joey Galloway. I don't think they can afford him though. But it sure would be nice. Apart from him, I'm not sure who else is available yet, but I hope they find someone to improve this weak area. I will expand on these area's of improvement in the coming weeks, but I really don't think the team is too far off.
These have been a couple of tumultuous years, but I find hope in the quality of our players. Coach Cowher will still be the coach, and I have utmost faith that he will put the pieces of the puzzle back together again. The road back to greatness will be tough, but I don't think it is too far away.
by SteelerGil (Jan 3, 00)