It wasn't that bad....

[vinivedivichi]

As usual, this place is chaos after our loss. I see a lot of threads about specific problems that need to be addressed; most are vast overreactions. We gave the defending SB champions a run for their money despite many mental errors. As much as I hate that we lost, I think we saw that this team has a lot of potential. Some random musings......

1. Our big guys did not step up, theirs did. How did Chambers miss the potential TD, and where was he the rest of the game? Where was McMichael? The Steelers have legitimate stars that step up in primetime, we need our guys to do the same.
2. Although this is Saban's second season, don't forget that we have a lot of new guys in key positions. We made a lot of mental mistakes that Pitt capitalized on; we won't be making those same mistakes 3 weeks from now. Pittsburgh essentially returned a SB champion and thus was able to play error free football, and that was the difference.
3. Our lack of push in the running game is a concern. I think we'll be able to run the ball against some of the lesser teams, but this and the Carolina PS game showed that we are gonna have a tough time against the SB caliber teams. If we are truly a contending team, than not being able to run because of great defense is not a legitimate excuse. This is my primary concern as I am unsure whether coaching can really solve this problem.
4. I'm not that worried about our secondary. Every big play was the result of a blown coverage. We have talent this year, we just need them to embrace Saban's schemes. We have an easy stretch of games coming up, so by the time we need them to play well they should have the kinks worked out.
5. I think with C-pep we have to take shots down the field. I think we are hurting ourselves if we don't throw 3-4 deep passes every game.

Despite all the criticisms, we played a great team tough. I'm excited about this team and I think in a few weeks we are gonna be a really good team.

 

[DolphinDevil28]

I can't argue.

Agree 100 percent.

 

[mesquillo10]

Good post...

I think our pass rush was impressive tonight. I just kept screaming as the Steelers WRs kept running free in our secondary.

Folks just gotta take these lessons (wins/losses) in stride... and not freak out.

 

[RoninFin4]

Nice post dude, we're gonna destroy them Bills...DD sorry I missed your WOOO thread today man - lotta work b4 kickoff.

 

[jesusfreak26]

As usual, this place is chaos after our loss. I see a lot of threads about specific problems that need to be addressed; most are vast overreactions. We gave the defending SB champions a run for their money despite many mental errors. As much as I hate that we lost, I think we saw that this team has a lot of potential. Some random musings......

1. Our big guys did not step up, theirs did. How did Chambers miss the potential TD, and where was he the rest of the game? Where was McMichael? The Steelers have legitimate stars that step up in primetime, we need our guys to do the same.
2. Although this is Saban's second season, don't forget that we have a lot of new guys in key positions. We made a lot of mental mistakes that Pitt capitalized on; we won't be making those same mistakes 3 weeks from now. Pittsburgh essentially returned a SB champion and thus was able to play error free football, and that was the difference.
3. Our lack of push in the running game is a concern. I think we'll be able to run the ball against some of the lesser teams, but this and the Carolina PS game showed that we are gonna have a tough time against the SB caliber teams. If we are truly a contending team, than not being able to run because of great defense is not a legitimate excuse. This is my primary concern as I am unsure whether coaching can really solve this problem.
4. I'm not that worried about our secondary. Every big play was the result of a blown coverage. We have talent this year, we just need them to embrace Saban's schemes. We have an easy stretch of games coming up, so by the time we need them to play well they should have the kinks worked out.
5. I think with C-pep we have to take shots down the field. I think we are hurting ourselves if we don't throw 3-4 deep passes every game.

Despite all the criticisms, we played a great team tough. I'm excited about this team and I think in a few weeks we are gonna be a really good team.

Nice post glad you took the time to type it because I didn't feel like it. To add to the points, we have 3 new guys in the secondary. Our D scheme is very complicated. JT, Zack, Channing, have all said they are really just now feeling comfortable with the system. The Secondary is only going to get better.

I have heard that Will Allen can't catch a cold, that may be so, but I will tell you one thing he sure is not scared to come up and make a hit on somebody.

 

[vinivedivichi]

People are very quick to overlook the good things we saw tonight. I would challenge anyone to argue that we saw a worse team tonight than we saw at any point at the end of last season.....the fact is we are already a better team than last year's version that went 9-7. We could go on and on about minute areas that are disheartening, but the fact is if we convert that third down at the end of the game we probably win and this place is does a 180 degree turn around. Don't let your emotions dictate your thoughts; we saw some good things this year and we have a lot to look forward to.

 

[adamprez2003]

I agree mostly with the thread's main point. I thought we looked better today than at any other time last year. The 9-7 record last year was an absolute fluke and cost us Jay Cutler but this team is at the very least a legitimate 8-8 team and if the secondary or offensive line shows any improvement as the season goes on I can see us in the playoffs. Is Daunte a playoff caliber QB - yes. Is he a Super Bowl QB - no, but he's better than anybody we've had here since Marino. This year looks like it will be an improvement in skill level if not record and that's enough for me

 

[jnobes7]

refs?????????????????????

they sucked pathetic.... marty caught that ball . the steeler didnt andd heath miller td? no way jose.... f that sheeeetttttt
im sick of the nfl i quit

 

[FinHopeful]

Good post. I agree with your analysis, but there is one other concern. As much as I hate to admit it, John Madden made the most important criticism. The coaching staff allowed the offense to become 1 dimensional. We were succeeding with it in the 3rd, so why abandon it completely. Before Dante's 1st interception, we had more than enough time to continue to run the ball. Even on the drive for that ended with Porter's interception return. There was plenty of time for the running game, but we completely went to the passing game. Even if you only make 2 yards a carry, there is value in running the ball more in the 4th quarter. Good teams run the ball when it is difficult. Hopefully, we will commit more to the run in the future.

 

[downfield]

Nice post. I agree. I would also add:

6. I thought Pep looked hesitant, and I know other folks here have said that. I think he will get more comfortable as the season progresses.

7. Culpepper did a good job holding in the pocket and moving around, I was impressed. I just don't think he follows through with all of his throws though, perhaps because he is not fully trusting his knee (and who can blame him). I think that cost him accuracy on the throws to Chambers down in the endzone and on those outs to the wide receivers.

8. I think our D-line looks great, however, too often they collapsed the pocket and lost contain, allowing Batch a free run up the middle. Our defense has been notorious for that for several years.

9. I really though Ronnie did a good job. He put some moves on people where there wasn't any room, caught the ball and ran well, and plowed safely into the endzone. Not many yards, but as I previously mentioned our O-line is horrid for running.

 

[vinivedivichi]

I agree with all the points, and the encouraging thing is that everything is fixable.

Mularkey and Saban will probably talk about the game calling and they will make the proper adjustments. I'm sure Saban is concerned that we decided to abandon the running game, but we have to remember that Mularkey is also new. There are so many new components to this team this year that it's unfair to expect us to look as polished as the defending SB champs. We have to get everybody on the same page. Last year it took us 11 weeks, this year it should not take as long because we do have some continuity.

Ditto for C-pep. Many seem to forget that not only is he coming back from major knee surgery, he is also adjusting to a new team. As the season progresses he will become more comfortable with the offense and the receivers.