Alright, first of all, I’d like to say I am STILL FIRED UP TODAY and overall EXCITED about this season. Last night’s game was without a doubt disappointing, but in general we are right about where I think we should be in terms of overall play and execution. Don’t get me wrong, there are many areas that need improvement, but having a 2nd yr head coach, new OC, new DC, starting QB coming off a major injury, I am happy with the performance and state of the team. We hung tough and played on the same level for 54 minutes of that game. Let’s NOT forget, the Steelers are the defending Super Bowl Champions and opening game was in their house…a HOSTILE environment for ANY team!
Until Daunte’s first INT, we still had a chance to win.
I know many want to blame Daunte, but in general he played well and impressed me with his field presence…again mainly in the 1st 54 minutes of the game. It was not Daunte that allowed the Steelers to put up 21 of 28 points on the board (7 are Daunte’s though), allowed a TE to score on an 87 yard pass, allowed W Parker to rush for 115 yards, and C Batch to toss 3 TDs.
Things I did not like that I saw was him staring down receivers on a few occasions and looking down field too much while there were open guys underneath, specifically Wes Welker (3rd WR) and running back Ronnie Brown. On the times he did see them; his passes were often off the mark.
On the INTs-First of all, the Steelers defense deserves high praise. They CERTAINLY shut down our running game and forced us into a single dimensional attack…not a good thing for ANY offense.
1st INT to Palamalu was clearly Daunte’s fault. Not only did he lock in on Chambers, the ball was under thrown. Had he pump-faked and put a bit more air under that pass and led CC down field, that was 6; the safety and CB were both underneath the receiver.
2nd INT to Porter should NEVER have been thrown. He watched Welker as soon as the ball was snapped and although Porter was designed to drop into coverage, he was right there and made a nice play…that is where I felt sick.
Things I likedâ€â€In general he had very good field leadership, a nice touch on his passes, a lightning quick release, zero fumbles and did not seem like his knee was affecting him mentally. He definitely has some growing to do with the Fins, and I’ll expect to see that next week with the Bills at home. If we think we are going to challenge for the AFC East, it is a must win divisional game.
In closing, I’ll reiterate my opening statement by saying I am HAPPY with our team. Playing that tough and having a clear chance to win that game for the first 54 minutes against the defending SB champions is something to grow on. Let’s NOT forget, as a team, we are only 17 games removed from a 4-12 season, 70% roster turnover and a total regime change. If we continue to grow as we did last season, we’ll be a force to contend with later in the year and into next season.
Until Daunte’s first INT, we still had a chance to win.
I know many want to blame Daunte, but in general he played well and impressed me with his field presence…again mainly in the 1st 54 minutes of the game. It was not Daunte that allowed the Steelers to put up 21 of 28 points on the board (7 are Daunte’s though), allowed a TE to score on an 87 yard pass, allowed W Parker to rush for 115 yards, and C Batch to toss 3 TDs.
Things I did not like that I saw was him staring down receivers on a few occasions and looking down field too much while there were open guys underneath, specifically Wes Welker (3rd WR) and running back Ronnie Brown. On the times he did see them; his passes were often off the mark.
On the INTs-First of all, the Steelers defense deserves high praise. They CERTAINLY shut down our running game and forced us into a single dimensional attack…not a good thing for ANY offense.
1st INT to Palamalu was clearly Daunte’s fault. Not only did he lock in on Chambers, the ball was under thrown. Had he pump-faked and put a bit more air under that pass and led CC down field, that was 6; the safety and CB were both underneath the receiver.
2nd INT to Porter should NEVER have been thrown. He watched Welker as soon as the ball was snapped and although Porter was designed to drop into coverage, he was right there and made a nice play…that is where I felt sick.
Things I likedâ€â€In general he had very good field leadership, a nice touch on his passes, a lightning quick release, zero fumbles and did not seem like his knee was affecting him mentally. He definitely has some growing to do with the Fins, and I’ll expect to see that next week with the Bills at home. If we think we are going to challenge for the AFC East, it is a must win divisional game.
In closing, I’ll reiterate my opening statement by saying I am HAPPY with our team. Playing that tough and having a clear chance to win that game for the first 54 minutes against the defending SB champions is something to grow on. Let’s NOT forget, as a team, we are only 17 games removed from a 4-12 season, 70% roster turnover and a total regime change. If we continue to grow as we did last season, we’ll be a force to contend with later in the year and into next season.
