Pit def. Atl - Measured Reaction
September 13th 2010 13:43
Thought perhaps about doing an instant reaction, but I'd like to try and avoid knee-jerk responses to the game.
Dennis Dixon. Among the various reports out there about the game, including James Walker's ESPN report, was the overall consensus that Dixon was up and down, rather indicative of a young quarterback. I find it impossible to disagree. Dixon made some nice throws, some okay decisions, but a few total head-scratchers. The margin of error in this game was practically nil; the mistakes Dixon made that Atlanta failed to capitalize upon probably cost the Falcons the game, or at least a chance at the game. Dixon's overall performance was (I think) strictly average. But when other facets of the team played to its usual level of excellence...strictly average was good enough.
Special Teams. Well, no punt returns, but then no returns against, either. All things being equal, the special teams were...solid. Except of course for Jeff Reed's glaring two errors - the two missed field goals. Visions of last year's horrid loss to Chicago danced in my brain; Reed oughta be kissing the defense and Mendenhall for bailing his narrow butt out. Reed is a professional, however, and will work on it. Too bad for him that the last kick just didn't work out.
There's a bit of a battle going on in the ESPN Blogs between Walker (does the AFC North) and Pat Yasinskas (NFC South). It all comes down to perception, frankly. How do *you* see the Atlanta offense versus Pittsburgh defense fight? Was it that the Steelers defense prevailed, imposing its will on the Atlanta offense, and beating that unit soundly? Or do you see it that the Atlanta offense failed to perform, failed to live up to expectations, and wasted golden opportunities? Obviously, we're arguing the same side of a coin here, but it is how you *see* it that makes all the difference. To me, this was "tried and true" Steelers defense. They were imposing, physical, tough, and tenacious. They did give up some longer drives, but nothing too terrible. Keeping the Falcons out of the end zone probably started by shutting down the running game. That was obviously a Pittsburgh key, and they did that job well. Atlanta's offensive line was overmatched. Not a good sign for the Falcons in my opinion.
The injuries are a concern. We'll have to wait and see.
Bottom line? A win is a win. I take from this one that perhaps the defense is back to its pre-Polamalu-injury mode, which spells very bad news for the rest of the NFL. If the Steelers defense is truly "back" to form, then they should be able to weather the Ben storm with at least a 2-2 record. They get another stern test next week traveling down to Tennessee to take on the 1-0 Titans. But for now, while not exactly resting easy, Steeler fans can breathe a sigh of relief.
Dennis Dixon. Among the various reports out there about the game, including James Walker's ESPN report, was the overall consensus that Dixon was up and down, rather indicative of a young quarterback. I find it impossible to disagree. Dixon made some nice throws, some okay decisions, but a few total head-scratchers. The margin of error in this game was practically nil; the mistakes Dixon made that Atlanta failed to capitalize upon probably cost the Falcons the game, or at least a chance at the game. Dixon's overall performance was (I think) strictly average. But when other facets of the team played to its usual level of excellence...strictly average was good enough.
Special Teams. Well, no punt returns, but then no returns against, either. All things being equal, the special teams were...solid. Except of course for Jeff Reed's glaring two errors - the two missed field goals. Visions of last year's horrid loss to Chicago danced in my brain; Reed oughta be kissing the defense and Mendenhall for bailing his narrow butt out. Reed is a professional, however, and will work on it. Too bad for him that the last kick just didn't work out.
There's a bit of a battle going on in the ESPN Blogs between Walker (does the AFC North) and Pat Yasinskas (NFC South). It all comes down to perception, frankly. How do *you* see the Atlanta offense versus Pittsburgh defense fight? Was it that the Steelers defense prevailed, imposing its will on the Atlanta offense, and beating that unit soundly? Or do you see it that the Atlanta offense failed to perform, failed to live up to expectations, and wasted golden opportunities? Obviously, we're arguing the same side of a coin here, but it is how you *see* it that makes all the difference. To me, this was "tried and true" Steelers defense. They were imposing, physical, tough, and tenacious. They did give up some longer drives, but nothing too terrible. Keeping the Falcons out of the end zone probably started by shutting down the running game. That was obviously a Pittsburgh key, and they did that job well. Atlanta's offensive line was overmatched. Not a good sign for the Falcons in my opinion.
The injuries are a concern. We'll have to wait and see.
Bottom line? A win is a win. I take from this one that perhaps the defense is back to its pre-Polamalu-injury mode, which spells very bad news for the rest of the NFL. If the Steelers defense is truly "back" to form, then they should be able to weather the Ben storm with at least a 2-2 record. They get another stern test next week traveling down to Tennessee to take on the 1-0 Titans. But for now, while not exactly resting easy, Steeler fans can breathe a sigh of relief.
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