Steelers 2012: The Final Numbers

We enjoy providing statistical data regarding the Steelers, relative to their opponents, each week. And, in keeping with the tradition of the "Weekly Matchups," we now provide a final look at how Pittsburgh ranked in some of the statistical areas we believe are most significant.

Steelers' Offense
Average total yards per game: 21st, 332.8

Average net rushing yards per game: 26th, 96.1

Average net passing yards per game: 14th, 236.7

Average points per game per game: 22nd, 21.0

Steelers' Defense
Opponent total yards per game: 1st, 275.8

Opponent net rushing yards per game: 2nd, 90.6

Opponent net passing yards per game: 1st, 185.2

Opponent average points per game: 6th, 19.6

Steelers' Special Teams
Average yards per punt return: 28th, 7.3

Average yards per kick return: 9th, 25.3

Net yardage punting average: 25th, 37.5

Field goal percentage: 7th, 28/31 (90.3%)

Special Teams Defense
Average yards per punt return: 23rd, 10.2

Average yards per kick return: 17th, 24.0

Net yardage punting average: 23rd, 40.0

Field goal percentage: 19th, 28/33 (84.8%)

Miscellaneous
Turnover differential: 24th (-10)

Time of possession: 2nd, 32:07
,br> Red Zone touchdown efficiency: 14th, (55.1%)

Red Zone defense (touchdowns): 14th, (52.45)

Sacks allowed: 18th, (37 -- league average for the season was 36.5)

Some individual numbers
AFC passer rating: Ben Roethlisberger, 3rd (97.0, 449 pass attempts, 284 completions, 26 TDs, 8 INTs).

AFC leading rushers: Jonathan Dwyer, 15th (623 yards, 156 rushing attempts, 4.0 yards per carry, 2 TDs).

AFC leading receivers (receptions):

Heath Miller, 11th (71 catches, 816 yards, 11.5 yards per catch, 8 TDs).

Antonio Brown, 12th (66 catches, 787 yards, 11.9 yards per catch, 5 TDs).

Mike Wallace, 15th (64 catches, 836 yards, 13.1 yards per catch, 8 TDs).

San Diego vs. Steelers: The matchups

One might look at the Chargers' horrible record (4-8) and be tempted to take this week's Steelers opponent lightly. But this Chargers team is so much better than their record, or statistics, indicate that it promises to be a long, tough battle at Heinz Field on Sunday. Indeed, the Chargers are 0-3 against the AFC North this season, but the losses were by a combined 11 points (with seven of that coming last week versus Cincinnati), and in their road games this season the Chargers are 2-4, but have only been outscored by a combined 8 points (114-122).

With all of that in mind, here are this week's statistical matchups:

San Diego Offense v. Steelers Defense
Average total yards per game: San Diego offense 26th (322.1) v. Steelers defense 1st (259.8)

Average net rushing yards per game: San Diego offense 26th (95.0) v. Steelers defense 5th (93.1)

Average net passing yards per game: San Diego offense 18th (227.1) v. Steelers defense 1st (166.7)

Average points per game: San Diego offense 19th (21.5) v. Steelers defense 6th (19.2)

Steelers Offense v. San Diego Defense
Average total yards per game: Steelers offense 20th (342.0) v. San Diego defense 9th (335.1)

Average net rushing yards per game: Steelers offense 24th (101.1) v. San Diego defense 6th (94.5)

Average net passing yards per game: Steelers offense 14th (240.9) v. San Diego defense 21st (240.6)

Average points per game: Steelers offense: 20th (21.2) v. San Diego defense 12th (21.4)

Special Teams
Average yards per punt return: San Diego 31st (6.1) v. Steelers 27th (6.9)

Average yards allowed per punt return: San Diego 14th (9.3) v. Steelers 24th (10.9)

Average yards per kick return: San Diego 14th (24.1) v. Steelers 9th (26.2)

Average yards allowed per kick return: San Diego 7th (21.6) v. Steelers 21st (25.2)

Net yardage punting average: San Diego 15th (41.6) v. Steelers 28th (37.2)

Opponent net yardage punting average: San Diego 26th (41.8) v. Steelers 18th (40.1)

Miscellaneous
Turnover differential: San Diego 18th (-1) v. Steelers 29th (-11)

Time of possession: San Diego 5th (31:31) v. Steelers 2nd (33:31)

Red Zone touchdown efficiency (touchdowns): San Diego 24th (47.4%) v. Steelers 19th (51.3%)

Red Zone defense (touchdowns): San Diego 29th (62.1%) v. Steelers 10th (50.0%)

Sacks allowed: San Diego 28th (36) v. Steelers 11th (25)

Some Individual Numbers
AFC Passer rating: Philip Rivers, 6th (85.1 QB rating, 277 Comp., 65.3% Comp. pct., 18 TDs, 15 INTs) v. Charlie Batch, unranked (2012 season: 64.9 QB rating, Comp., 64.3% Comp. pct., 1 TD, 3 INTs)

AFC Leading rushers: Ryan Mathews, 12th (620 yards, 4.0 yards per carry, 1 touchdown) v. Jonathan Dwyer, 13th (478 yards, 4.2 yards per carry, 1 touchdown)

AFC Leading receiver: Malcolm Floyd, 17th (51 catches, 765 yards, 15.0 per catch, 4 touchdowns) v. Heath Miller 14th (56 catches, 613 yards, 10.9 yards per catch, 7 touchdowns)

AFC Sack Leaders: Shaun Phillips, 10th (7.0) v. Jason Worilds, 20th (5.0)

Cincinnati v. Steelers:The Good, the Bad, the Ugly

Normally we utilize a very standard template ~ good stuff, bad stuff, ugly stuff ~ but for this game we are turning the whole thing upside down; and would like to begin by highlighting a portion of Mike Tomlin's post game press conference:

The Ugly

1. Question: It seemed like the punting was a problem tonight . . .
   
   Mike Tomlin: It was horrible.
   
   Question: Will you look at that situation?
   
   Mike Tomlin: We'll address it.
   
   Now we would like to repeat a portion of our post game analysis from last week:
   
   "Paul Ernster has to go.
   
   Four kicks, a 31.0 yard average, and a net of 30.8 yards. His average is tied for lowest so far this weekend (with only the Monday evening game remaining), and his net is the second lowest (Indianapolis punter Hunter Smith had a single punt with a net of 16 yards). He has done a good job holding for field goals, but his fourth quarter, 20-yard punt from the Chargers' 38 yard line was horrific."
   
   Thursday evening's performance makes that look spectacular:
   
   4 kicks, 28.4 yard average, 28.4 yard net.
   
   We checked the position list for punters at NFL.com, and there are any number of players available, including Zac Atterberry who had a good training camp with Chicago.


2. Having tall receivers may be something that Ben Roethlisberger wanted, but if Limas Sweed cannot ge away from a punted football then please keep him on the bench. Obviously that play could have been disastrous, and would have been if they had been playing a team with a better offense.


3. Ben Roethlisberger completed 17 of his 30 passes, and we believe that receivers dropped fourteen of those incomplete passes. For the second game in-a-row Nate Washington dropped a ball that hit him square in the hands. Santonio Holmes, after having his jersey grabbed by a defender, had the ball hit him in the chest before he dropped the pass. Hines Ward and (the usually reliable) Heath Miller each dropped at least one pass. The next five opponents have a combined record of 32-18 (a winning percentage of .640), and missed opportunities like that simply will not do.

The Bad

1. Why is it that the Steelers' offense will not take a knee when they should? After dodging a bullet following the Limas Sweed miscue Bruce Arians called a pass play? What good could have possibly come from that? Feel free to run out the clock, and head to the locker room next time.


2. Despite a good performance we want to remind Mewelde Moore that, with time running out in the game and the Steelers in possession of the ball, it is preferable that he remains in-bounds. This is not the first time a Pittsburgh running back has done that this season (as we pointed out following the game against Cleveland), and we would like to think that running back coach Kirby Wilson is delivering the same message.


3. We love the defense but Ryan Clark had what (we hope) was his worst game as a member of the Pittsburgh Steelers. Missed tackles, poor coverage ~ he has had a Pro Bowl caliber season until now. We are sure (*fingers crossed*) he will bounce back.

The Good
(This may end up reading like the "All Redemption" team)

1. We have openly questioned Troy Polamalu. His physical ailments, we argued, were talking a toll that few others were willing to acknowledge.
   
   We stand corrected.
   
   Whether defending the run by launching his body like a missile into running backs, or tackling receivers in the open field, or picking off another pass he is back, and a force to be reckoned with.


2. A quick tip of the hat to Aaron Smith for his three deflected passes. Always one of our favorites, he continues to amaze us with his versatility


3. We have been unrelenting in our criticism of the play calling of Bruce Arians, but Thursday evening he showed us how good he can be. Sure we would like to see 100% running, but 37 rushes and 30 passes is a good mix; and more importantly the Steelers seemed more willing to stay with the run when it was working (we recall only one drive in which a relatively effective running play was followed by two unsuccessful passing plays, and a punt). Despite meager first half numbers the Steelers stayed with the run, and wore down the undermanned Bengals defense. Additionally, the short passing plays worked well, which leads us to item #2.


4. He has been roundly criticized, and some called for his benching, but Thursday night Ben Roethlisberger looked very good. With time to throw and receivers getting open he had a passer rating of 94.2 ~ his second highest such rating in his last five games (last Sunday's game was his highest in that stretch ~ 96.4). We especially liked the short passes to receivers in space who were then able to make big plays. We believe that that approach ~ i.e. get the ball to playmakers and turn them loose ~ is what good quarterbacks do. Making perfect, downfield passes should be the exception not the rule. Which leads us to item #3.


5. Yes, we criticized the receivers, but we also recognize that when they were able to hold onto the football (his second quarter catch, a completion that went for 27 yards, in which he grabbed the back end of the football was spectacular) they made things happen.


6. Last, but not least, a big shout out to the offensive line! Yes, the Bengals have a pass rush that is largely ineffectual, and yes the Cincinnati defensive line was horribly depleted, but the Steelers controlled the offensive line throughout. We were especially pleased with a play in the fourth quarter.
   
   Facing 3-and-10, Ben Roethlisberger dropped back to throw and was immediately pressured, and hit by a Bengals' defensive lineman. Mr. Roethlisberger escaped, and as he did Darnell Stapleton was there to drive that defensive lineman to the ground. That play enabled Mr. Roethlisberger to escpae to his left, and throw a 14-yard completion to Limas Sweed.
   
   We loved the determination and the refusal to quit on the play that Mr. Stapleton displayed. It really was indicative of how all the O-linemen performed Thursday; and gives us hope for the remainder of the season.

Mike Tomlin Weekly Press Conference

We were able to listen to Mike Tomlin's weekly press conference on ESPN 1250, and here are some of the highlights:

Injuries

• Willie Parker has a sublaxation of the shoulder [this is in direct contradiction to a couple of media reports], but is scheduled to practice this week. The injury is similar to the one that Ryan Clark suffered earlier in the season.


• Marvel Smith is scheduled to practice this week, but has to show that he is ready "technically" before he returns to the starting lineup.


• Health Miller "is questionable at best."


• Bryant McFadden is out; but it is hoped that he will return "soon."


• Deshea Townsend is out


• LaMarr Woodley is scheduled to practice this week

Player Personnel Move

In an effort to add depth the Steelers have signed Fernando Bryant, a former Jacksonville Jaguars and Detroit Lions.

Upcoming Opponent

• The San Diego Chargers "have some weapons."


• Because of their size and strength the Chargers' wide receivers "create matchup issues on the perimeter," and are "legitimate weapons."


• Antonio Gates (TE) is "the best route runner, at the position, in the league."


• On defense, Jamal Williams "is the man in the middle," and "it all begins with him."


• The San Diego corners ~ Antonio Cromartie and Quentin Jammer ~ are among the very best iin the league.


• San Diego's special teams "are the best in the world."

Last Week's Game

• The pass play called near the end of the first half (i.e. the pass that was intercepted) came from the sideline and was approved by Mr. Tomlin.


• Ben Roethlisberger did not turn in a "winning performance" on Sunday; and he should benefit from a full schedule of practice; as will the "timing and cohesion" between the quarterback and receivers.


• Nobody on the offensive line "is performing great."


• Mr. Tomlin indicated that, because of its inability to consistently run the football, the Steelers' offense "lacks an identity."

Sirius/XM Radio at Latrobe

As part of their "Training Camp Tour 2008" Sirius NFL Radio sent the hosts of their "Movin' the Chains" show, Tim Ryan and Pat Kirwan joined 5,000 Steelers fans at St. Vincent College for a look at the Steelers. Here are the highlights (it's interesting that there wasn't a single question about Steelers' ownership situation) :

• The Offense: Steelers are gravitating to a spread pass offense and a zone blocking scheme on the run. Mr. Kirwan believes that the Steelers are moving away from the "blue collar," helmet-on-helmet blocking schemes of the Cowher era.


• Wide receivers: Limas Sweed had cramps during the practice -- no big deal -- but he also is having problems with his contact lenses. Mr. Kirwan sees him as a rising star who will have an immediate impact (third wide receiver). Kevin Colbert described him as "very smooth," and good on intermediate routes but not good on the deep ball.


• Kevin Colbert: Interviewed by Mr. Ryan and Mr. Kirwan, he expressed excitement about the upcoming season. Other items discussed in this wide-ranging interview included:
  
  As draft philosophies go, whenever the team drafts a junior (see Sweed and Santonio Holmes) "they get them for their senior year" -- i.e. the player will make a bigger contribution in the second season.
  
  On Willie Colon, he described him as having "a classic guard" body, but because he was at tackle in 2007 the team will keep him there this season.
  
  He described the competition between Justin Hartwig and Sean Mayhan as "a good battle."
  
  At running back, Rashard Mendenhall is a bigger, "thicker guy" than Willie Parker who is likely to be called upon to pick up "tough yards" between the tackles.
  
  The offense will continue to grow around its best player, Ben Roethlisberger who Mr. Colbert believes has not yet reached his full potential.
  
  Mr. Colbert found Casey Hampton's lack of conditioning "disappointing" that will "hold the team back." The strength coach and medical staff are working with Mr. Hampton in an effort "to get him out there as soon as he can."
  
  The return of Aaron Smith is great news because he is "critical" to the left side of the defense.
  
  LaMarr Woodley has "stepped into a starting role" [news to Larry Foote?] but has to prove he can do it over sixteen games; but he's very powerful and is always moving towards the quarterback.
  
  Lawrence Timmons is going to work inside and outside.
  
  Bruce Davis is going through a transition from being down at defensive end and up at the outside linebacker -- he is going to be a speed rusher versus a power rusher [think Joey Porter].
  
  Ike Taylor is moving to right cornerback, but having a good camp. Coach Tomlin likes bigger cornerbacks and that is what has predicated this move -- Taylor's skills and size are good, but he has to work on his hands [no kidding].
  
  Having Ryan Clark back is huge -- he is a quarterback in the secondary.
  
  Training camps are being negatively effected by the 80 man rosters -- a change from previous years -- and as a result most NFL camps are less physical than has been the case in the past. Mr. Colbert endorses a plan to have a 90 player roster for camps.
  
  Daniel Sepulveda is not on IR yet -- because he is not a "vested" player yet he would have to clear waivers in order to make it to IR -- but will be, Paul Ernster is with the team for now, but the team is looking to see "what else shakes out."
  
  Mr. Colbert is very anxious to see Dennis Dixon play in the preseason, and the team was very fortunate to get him in the fifth round.


• More commentary from Pat Kirwan on Casey Hampton -- his poor condition puts all of the nose tackles at greater risk of injury. Because Mr. Hampton is not taking reps in practice Chris Hoke and Nick Eason are getting a greater work load.


• Max Starks interviewed -- he enjoyed the morning off (Coach Tomlin gave everyone a break) and the temperate weather. Other thoughts from Mr. Starks:
  
  The competition between himself and Willie Colon is "great" but he has had zero reps with the first team, and has no reps against the first team defense, so far this week. He expects to get some next week. His take is that the coaches are trying to determine whether or not he fits into what is still a new system.
  
  The scheme is much more pass oriented, single back, play action pass oriented.
  
  LaMarr Woodley has improved his pass rush tremendously from last season, and has had "Kevin Green in his ear for the past four days."
  
  "G-Power" blocking -- i.e. power blocking schemes -- were installed Wednesday.
  
  Trai Essex has done "a great job" playing left guard, and the center battle "is pretty heated."
  
  The Steelers' offensive personnel is still built around hard core running and is transitioning to a "more finesse" style of offense.
  
  Bruce Davis looks "average right now" but is still finding his way in the system --m he showed flashes in Wednesdays practice.
  
  Rashard Mendenhall "loves to power between the tackles" and Limas Sweed is "a great vertical receiver."


• Chis Hoke: Casey Hampton being out isn't having a terribly big effect on the amount of work he's getting.
  
  Aaron Smith looks good, looks healthy.
  
  Lawrence Timmons is doing well, he's delivered some big hits -- the competition between him and Larry Foote is very spirited.
  
  Rashard Mendenhall looks very good.
  
  The young players did a great job of preparing for camp. They are not making the typical rookie mistakes.
  
  Dick LeBeau is installing some new blitzes into the defensive playbook.


• Aaron Smith: He's doing well and feels great.
  
  Watching the defense struggle at the end of last season was the most frustrating part of the injury he suffered.
  
  The players are rallying around Casey Hampton, and he's confident that he will be on the field soon.
  
  Because the defense is a veteran group the camp "seems to be progressing much faster" than in previous years.
  
  Dick LeBeau draws up plays "that [are] amazing."
  
  LaMarr Woodley looks great, is transitioning well to "playing in space," has lost weight, and much is expected of him this season.
  
  Coach Tomlin is doing a good job of pushing the team hard but not too hard. He is someone who the players gravitate towards.


• Mr. Ryan and Mr. Kirwan posit that Justin Hartwig will eventually be the starting center (once he learns the system), and that Sean Mayhan is going to end up being the backup guard.
  
  Additionally, Dennis Dixon looked good in the practice they watched -- the knee looks as though it is sound.
  
  Deshea Townsend has moved to left corner and Ike Taylor has moved to right corner. The reason(s) for the switch are not immediately clear.


• Heath Miller: The best player on the offense is the quarterback, and the offense is being built around him.
  
  Willie Parker looks good and will be ready to go.
  
  Mike Tomlin is approaching his second training camp in a manner similar to his first.
  
  Matt Spaeth is great blocker and someone who can learn from.
  
  Ryan Clark is "back with a little bit of a vengeance."


• Larry Foote: He's feeling very tired and is grateful for the morning off.
  
  The media is talking about the competition between himself and Lawrence Timmons but he hasn't heard anything from the coaches.
  
  He's feeling good, feeling quick, and is healthy.
  
  He declined to discuss the situation with Casey Hampton but did say that he "went through some issues" during the offseason.
  
  The competition between the offensive linemen ("everybody knows how dirty offensive linemen can be") is very intense.
  
  "I've lost to the [Browns] once in seven years. When they start winning some games we'll start talking about them."


• Lawrence Timmons: Is working mostly MAC linebacker (the linebacker who lines up on the open side of the offense), but has worked some outside, and some special teams as well.
  
  Justin Hartwig is doing well.
  
  Casey Hampton is "going to be fine" and has "already shown what kind of player he is."
  
  Dick LeBeau is spending time showing him how to improve his pass rush.
  
  Rashard Mendenhall reads the field well, is low to the field, and very compact.


• Bryant McFadden: The schedule is going to be a challenge, and camp is an opportunity to gel as teammates.
  
  Dick Lebeau's playbook is designed to put players in a position to make plays and take advantage of their abilities.
  
  Most offenses come out in three receiver sets and that requires that the Steelers defense spend a majority of the time in the nickle or dime package.
  
  The AFC North has a large number of outstanding wide recivers.
  
  The mental aspects of the NFL -- i.e. learning schemes and understanding how offenses operate -- is the toughest part of the transition from college to pro football.
  
  The rules of the NFL make it very difficult to cover receivers.
  
  Limas Sweed is doing a good job of picking up the offense, does a good job of getting off of press coverage, and has soft hands.
  
  Rashard Mendenhall has good feet and is having a good camp so far.
  
  The pass rush is looking good.
  
  Coach Tomlin is pacing camp a bit differently than last year -- not quite as physical.


• Tunch Ilkin: So far the camp has been physical and the team looks good.
  
  Ben Roethlisberger is practicing with great confidence. The offense is featuring lots of no-huddle.
  
  The Steelers' defense is going all-out to stop the Steelers' offense.
  
  Despite the changes in the offense, fans can expect the team to play a physical brand of football that will feature the run.
  
  Willie Colon is run blocking well, but does struggle a little on a defender playing wide. Mr. Colon plays with more attitude than even Alan Faneca.
  
  Marvel Smith is in good condition and playing well.
  
  Limas Sweed found out he couldn't see without contact lenses, and is now picking up the ball much better.
  
  Ben Roethlisberger is only 26 years old and is still improving.
  
  Deshea Townsend is the best at tracking the ball in the air, and never gets lost going from the ball to the man.


• Santonio Holmes: Practice is tough but it's going well.
  
  Ben Roethlisberger is throwing the ball well.
  
  He feels as though he's practicing better -- i.e. when to go all-out and when not to -- than he ever has before. Hines Ward has taught him how to do that.
  
  He is improving his ability to scramble with Ben Roethlisberger.
  
  He's becoming a "2-and-5 guy" (five yards in two strides).
  
  The Nike Vision contacts cut down glare, especially during day games.
  
  Ben Roethlisberger is communicating with his receivers much better.
  
  Hines Ward is a student of the game and a teacher.
  
  Deshea Townsend "knows everything."


• Carey Davis: Playing mostly at fullback so far in camp.
  
  In the stretch play the fullback has to read the defense with the running back.
  
  Coach Tomlin understands his players better, and camp this year has been different.
  
  He is playing on every special team.
  
  Lawrence Timmons "doesn't understand that we're teammates . . . he's a linebacker" [he said with a chuckle].
  
  The Steelers' defense moves around more than most of the defenses that the Steelers will actually play against.
  
  Dennis Dixon is doing well -- he is fast and has a strong arm.

Top Two Picks Sign, How Does it Compare?

As predicted by Mike Tomlin, and reported by the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Rashard Mendenhall and Limas Sweed have signed contracts and will report on-time to Latrobe.

For your consideration here, as reported by Pro Football Weekly, are the terms of the Steelers' first-round picks from 2000-2008.

• 2000: Plaxico Burress, Michigan State, 8th pick, $14,398,000, $5,5000,000 signing bonus


• 2001: Casey Hampton, Texas, 19th pick, 5 years, $6,760,000, $3,090,000 signing bonus.


• 2002: Kendall Simmons, Auburn, 30th pick, 5 years, $6,214,000, $3,214,000 signing bonus.


• 2003: Troy Polamalu, USC, 16th pick, 5 years, $8,265,000, $4,400,000 "total bonuses."


• 2004: Ben Roethlisberger, 11th pick, Miami of Ohio, 6 years, $40,000,000 maximum, $9,000,000 signing bonus.


• 2005: Heath Miller, 30th pick, Virginia, 5 years, $6,890,000, $3,950,000 guaranteed.


• 2006: Santonio Holmes, 25th pick, The Ohio State State University, 5 years, $8,100,000, $5,700,000 guaranteed.


• 2007: Lawrence Timmons, 15th pick, Florida State, 5 years, $11,900,000, $8,300,000 guaranteed.


• 2008: Rashard Mendenhall, 23rd pick, Illinois, 5 years, $12,550,000, $6,830,000 guaranteed.

Steelers @ St. Louis: The Good, the Bad, & the Ugly

On a night when a Hall-of-Fame running back had his number retired, and Pro Bowl running back his season ended, the Steelers ended their two game losing streak with a 41-24 victory over the Rams. Here's a look at what went well, what could have been better, and what we would just as soon forget.

The Good
Basking in the light of a victory almost everything seems like a "good;" however let's begin with Ben Roethlisberger. His passer rating of 158.3, a perfect score in the NFL system, marks the third such rating he has achieved in a game in his career. And with that Mr. Roethlisberger ties Peyton Manning in that statistical category. After a game last week in which passes sailed wildly, and receivers dropped passes that we accurately thrown, the passing game fired on all cylinders Thursday evening. Indeed, Mr. Roethlisberger completed passes to six different receivers, including four to running backs (two to Najeh Davenport and two to Carey Davis), for 261 yards. Coming two days after Pro Bowl participants were named, Mr. Roethlisberger showed everyone who was able to watch the game why he was included amongst the league's elite.

Also impressive were the performances of Heath Miller and Matt Spaeth. After the Steelers' first two running plays resulted in a net -3 yards and the loss their premier running back to a broken leg, Mr. Miller and Mr. Spaeth spent a considerable amount of time on the field -- almost exclusively as blockers. Their efforts to shore up the offensive line were significant, even going against what can charitably be called a mediocre Rams defense: 23 carries, 154 yards (i.e. following those first two carries; and not including scrambles by Ben Roethlisberger). Indeed, the Steelers ran off 37 running plays (59.67% of the total plays run by the Steelers), with a per rush average of 4.5 yards (their season average has been 4.31 yards per rush).

It was great to see a Steelers running back running between the tackles effectively, and if using two tight ends on the same side of the line (which the Steelers did repeatedly) is what is required then so be it.

On the defensive side of the ball, no "good" was sweeter to watch than Ike Taylor actually holding on to an interception, his sixth career pick, and running it back for a game clinching touchdown. The Steelers' career interception leader is Mel Blount (57), and if Mr. Taylor had held on to all the interceptions he's dropped in his career he'd probably be halfway to setting a new record.

Also great to see was the way the defense adjusted in the second half. The result was that they all but shut down the Rams' electric runner Steven Jackson. In the first half Mr. Jackson had 65 yards on 5 carries (36 yards on a single carry). In the second half he had 7 carries for 20 yards. The tale of two halfs for St. Louis could also be found at quarterback. For Mark Bulger the first half looked like this: 9/18, 101 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT (on the last play of the half), with a passer an 81.0 rating. The second half: 9/17, 107 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, but a passer rating of only 67.5. However the most significant number of all was 23. That is the length in yards of Mr. Bulger's longest completion on the night. Though the Rams did move the ball reasonably well (total net yards gained for the game was 316) there were none of the big plays that plagued the Steelers in the preceding two weeks.

Finally, Steelers Nation invaded St. Louis and made it their own -- the NFL Network announcers, all of them, made mention of just how many Black & Gold backers were on hand. It was great that the Steelers ended up with a ninth home game -- HERE WE GO STEELERS, HERE WE GO!!

P.S. A fake punt?!? That was beautiful!

The Bad
Let's begin with Ben Roethlisberger.

If we can give one piece of advice to a Pro Bowl quarterback it is this: THROW THE BALL!! The four sacks that the Rams came up with were all the result of Mr. Roethlisberger holding on to the ball too long. He was nearly seriously injured (when Corey Chavous rolled up onto the back of his leg) on such a play, and we'll be shocked if there isn't a parade of Steelers players and coaches given the young quarterback the same piece of advice during the flight home.

Kick coverage unit! Step up for your weekly flogging.

In fairness, the kick coverage team did a decent job, especially in the second half (on three second half kick returns the Rams averaged 23.33 yards per return). However two enormous returns (one for 43 yards, and a second for 49 yards) in the first half gave St. Louis outstanding field position, allowed them to open up the playbook, which led to two Rams touchdowns. If the Steelers are fortunate enough to make the playoffs this glaring weakness will cost them points -- count on it.

On the defensive side of the ball, the Steelers allowed St. Louis to convert on 50% of its third downs (7/14), despite the fact that coming into the game the Rams were converting on only 37.4%. Related to this is the apparent inability of Dick LeBeau to adjust to the short drops and quick releases used by Marc Bulger to counteract the Steelers' zone blitz. This is a similar approach used by Tom Brady and the Patriots to beat the Steelers, and Pittsburgh is fortunate that the Rams' defense is as porous as it is or they might be looking at their third consecutive loss.

The Ugly
Trainers and players looking at an x-ray on the Steelers' sideline is absolutely the ugliest sight a Steelers fan will ever see.

Willie Parker's broken leg couldn't have happened to a better teammate, harder working player. He's a joy to watch, and here's hoping that there will be no lingering effects (a la Rennie Stennett) once he returns for mini-camp.

On the other hand this crushing loss is going to force the Steelers to reevaluate the way in which they run the ball (i.e. real power running v. stretch plays), and if that motivates the coaches to implement a more straight ahead, ball control style of running that would be an example of making the best of a bad situation.

Conclusion
The offense looked good from the very start, and the defense gained momentum as the game wore on. And while a win is a win, especially after being dominated the previous two games, this was a fairly hard fought win against a team that was itself dominated last week, and now has a record of 3-12. It's ok to feel good, but no one should delude themselves into thinking that the Steelers have solved whatever ailed them against New England and Jacksonville.