Steelers Today – A Pittsburgh Steelers blog

December 29,2008
By Donald Starver

Sports writers are hypocrites.  They are quick to spout trite phrases like “defense wins championships”, yet when they are called upon to show what they really believe, their actions prove that they believe that offense wins championships.

Each year, the Associated Press selects the NFL MVP.  And each year they go through their annual ritual of proving that they only value offense.

Since the AFL and NFL merged in 1970 there have been 40 NFL MVP’s.  Of those, 25 have been quarterbacks and 12 have been running backs.  That’s 92.5% for those of you who like statistics.  The only anomalies from this rule were linebacker Lawrence Taylor in 1986, kicker Mark Moseley during the strike shortened 1982 season, and DT Alan Page in 1971.

Two defensive MVP’s since the merger.  Pathetic!  So much for “defense wins championships”.

Of the NFL’s 5 top ranked offenses, 4 of them will be watching the playoffs from their living rooms.  Prolific passer Drew Brees and the #1 ranked New Orleans Saints offense had an amazing season.  Too bad their season’s over.  Same for the Denver Broncos, the NFL’s #2 offense.  The Houston Texans had the 3rd best offense in the NFL this season.  They’re also vacationing now.  So how important is offense if it can’t even carry a team into the playoffs?

Contrarily, 4 of the top 5 defenses in the NFL will make playoff appearances.  The lone holdout was the Washington Redskins, and if they played in any division other than the brutal NFC East, they too would probably have made the playoffs.  Despite these obvious arguments for the importance of defense, look for Drew Brees, Peyton Manning, Adrian Peterson, Kurt Warner, and Philip Rivers to garner most of the MVP votes.  Idiotic, if you ask me.

In January of 2001, when the Baltimore Ravens where enjoying a parade following the first Super Bowl championship in team history, was there anyone in the known universe who didn’t agree that Ray Lewis was the MVP?  I’m not talking about the Super Bowl MVP.  I don’t mean the Defensive Player of the Year.  Nope, Ray Lewis was the friggin’ NFL MVP.  For the Ravens, defense DID win a championship, and Ray Lewis was the engine that drove that defense.  Some quarterback or running back may be babysitting his MVP trophy, but we all know it belongs to Ray.

This year, we have the potential for a similar injustice.  The Pittsburgh Steelers enter the playoffs with the league’s #1 ranked defense.  They allow the fewest points per game.  They allow the fewest yards per game.  They are #1 against the pass, and #2 against the run.  They were #1 against the run as recently as week 14, but were surpassed by the Minnesota Vikings’ defense late in the season.  Suffice it to say that the Steelers’ defense is pretty good.

The best player on that defense is James Harrison.  Harrison was voted team MVP for the second year in a row.  He will also make his second consecutive Pro Bowl appearance since becoming a starter last year.  The Steelers have a $100 million quarterback in Ben Roethlisberger, but James Harrison is the team’s two-time MVP.  Think about that for a moment.

On a team with a tradition for great defenses, James Harrison broke the Steelers’ all-time record for sacks in a season.  Neither Joe Greene, nor Jack Lambert, nor Greg Lloyd, nor Kevin Greene, nor Jack Ham, nor Joey Porter, nor Jason Gildon, nor L.C. Greenwood, nor any other Steeler has ever harrassed opposing quarterbacks like James Harrison did this year.  When you think about all of the Hall-of-Famers who have played for the Steelers, that’s pretty amazing.

Sure, there are other defensive players who deserve attention.  DeMarcus Ware and former Steeler Joey Porter both had more sacks than Harrison.  But in many ways, they’re both one trick ponies.  Ravens’ safety Ed Reed and Steelers’ safety Troy Polamalu also had fantastic seasons.  But they didn’t fill stat sheets like Harrison.  Same with Tennessee’s Albert Haynesworth.  He had a great year.  Just not as great as Harrison’s.

Harrison’s off-field demeanor is so quiet and understated that it’s easy too overlook his accomplishments.  No defensive player filled stat sheets quite the way Harrison did.  Harrison ended the season ranked #4 in sacks.  However, unlike the 3 players who were ahead of him, Harrison is asked to do far more than sack the quarterback.  Harrison had 17 more tackles than sack leader DeMarcus Ware, 54 more than Joey Porter, and 63 more than John Abraham.

Anyone who has ever watched James Harrison play has probably noticed that he isn’t satisfied with simply sacking a quarterback.  When Harrison sacks a quarterback, he seems to think that forcing a fumble is also a requirement.  He led the league with 7 forced fumbles.

Harrison was tied for second in the NFL in forced safeties.  How many did Albert Haynesworth force?  zero.  How about DeMarcus Ware?  Zero.  Joey Porter?  Zero.

If you look at the league leaders in total tackles, you notice that this statistic is traditionally dominated by inside/middle linebackers and safeties, the guys who roam the middle of the field.  If we eliminate the inside/middle linebackers and safeties, and look at tackles by players at all other positions, James Harrison is 9th in the NFL.  Even when you add the inside/middle linebackers and safeties back into the statistics, Harrison is still 25th in the league.  Not bad for a guy who is only responsible for one side of the field, and who has to take on the opponent’s toughest offensive lineman (the left tackle) on every single play.

James Harrison is tied for 7th in the NFL in interceptions.  He has the same number as defensive backs Champ Bailey, Brian Dawkins, Jonathan Joseph, and Lawyer Milloy.

Harrison even has 4 passes defensed.  That may not sound like a lot, but for an outside linebacker, that it tremendous.  DeMarcus Ware has none.  Joey Porter has none.  See my point?

There is no doubt that Peyton Manning has had a great season.  And this Friday, I expect to hear his name called as this year’s NFL MVP.  But the reality is that Peyton Manning has not had as good a season as James Harrison.  In order to match what Harrison has done on defense, Manning would have to be among the league leaders in passing yards, rushing yards, punt return yards, kick return yards, and field goals.  That may sound like a ridiculous statement, but when you look at how broadly James Harrison has filled the defensive stat sheets, you quickly realize that it is an appropriate analogy.

Peyton Manning will probably receive his third NFL MVP Award this Friday.  However, those who truly understand football will know that he is merely babysitting James Harrison’s award, just like Marshall Faulk is babysitting Ray Lewis’.

If sportswriters had any courage, they would use their vote to correct this injustice.  But they don’t.  So they won’t.  Congratulations Peyton.

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Before reading this week’s key match-ups, please read my Steelers-Cowboys Preview. Also, you may want to read our reports on the Steelers and Cowboys historical rivalry by clicking here.

Each week I look at the key match-ups that will most likely impact the outcome of the game. Here are this week’s key match-ups.

Steelers’ linebackers James Harrison vs. Cowboys LT Flozell Adams

Last week, James Harrison faced off against the Patriots’ Pro Bowl left tackle Matt Light. After 2 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, and more hurries than Matt Cassel cares to remember, Harrison proved that he can more than hold his own against a Pro Bowl caliber left tackle.

This week, Silverback gets to give a repeat performance against another Pro Bowl left tackle. This time, it’s the Cowboys’ Flozell Adams. Adams presents a different challenge than Light. Light was a 6’4″ 305 lb. left tackle. He combines strength with reasonable speed. Adams, on the other hand, is more of a behemoth. He’s 6’7″ and 340 lbs. Think Orlando Pace, only heavier. In fact, a better comparison is the Steelers’ own Max Starks. Starks is 6’8″ and 345 lbs.

Since Adams dwarfs Harrison by 7 inches and 100 lbs., it is not likely that Harrison is going to be able to beat him by simply bull rushing him. Fortunately, Harrison has two key advantages that should serve him well. When blocking, leverage is everything, and Harrison’s shorter stature will actually provide him with a leverage advantage over Adams. More importantly, Harrison is significantly faster than Adams. In this situation, Harrison’s speed advantage is more important than Adams’ size advantage. Do you remember how Silverback used to destroy Max Starks in training camp? That’s pretty much what we should see this weekend. Advantage: Steelers.

Steelers’ LT Max Starks vs. Cowboys’ LB DeMarcus Ware

Like Flozell Adams, Max Starks is a massive LT whose greatest advantage is his size. There just aren’t many players who are as big as Starks. Unfortunately, the best way to neutralize humongous size is with superhuman speed. When you look up superhuman speed in the dictionary, there is a picture of DeMarcus Ware. Oh &%$*@$*!!!!!! Advantage: Cowboys.

Steelers’ CB Ike Taylor vs Cowboys’ WR Terrell Owens.

Ike Usually lines up on the opposite side of the field as T.O. does. However, since Owens is Dallas’ greatest weapon, Coach Tomlin will probably have Ike shadow T.O. wherever he goes.

Ike Taylor is one of the best cover corners in the NFL. He has the size and speed to match up with T.O. It will be an excellent test for Ike, but I believe he’s up to the task. The condition of Heinz Field should definitely work to Ike’s advantage. The field should be sloppy, and that should slow Owens down. Moreover, Ike knows Heinz Field, T.O. doesn’t.

If Ike is able to keep T.O. in check for the first half, T.O. should revert to the spoiled child that we all know him to be. He’ll start yelling at Tony Romo and basically self-destruct (dragging the Cowboys down with him). Advantage: Draw.

Steelers’ safety Troy Polamalu vs. Cowboys tight end Jason Witten

Witten is actually Tony Romo’s favorite receiver. He has even more receptions than Terrell Owens. Witten is a Pro Bowl tight end, and he is very effective. However, Troy Polamalu is……..well, Troy Polamalu. There are few players in the league who are as disruptive as Troy. There is a reason that he leads the NFL in interceptions. Advantage: Steelers.

WR’s Santontio Holmes & Hines Ward vs. Cowboys’ secondary

The Cowboys’ secondary is rather weak. There’s no other way to put it. Terence Newman was once one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL, but he’s battled injuries all year. Adam “PacMan” Jones was just reinstated, so he’ll definitely be rusty. The Cowboys only have 6 interceptions this season. That’s the same number that Troy Polamalu has by himself. If the offensive line give Ben Roethlisberger a little time, he should be able to pick this secondary apart. Advantage: Steelers.

“Good Ben” vs. “Bad Ben”

This is probably the match-up that is going to have the greatest impact on the game. “Good Ben” is the accurate game manager who doesn’t try to win the game by himself, avoids turnovers, and maintains a high passer rating. Think Ben of 2007.

“Bad Ben” is the Ben that holds onto the ball way too long, takes unnecessary sacks, throws silly interceptions, and is very inaccurate in his delivery. Think Ben of 2006.

This year has been a mixed bag for Big Ben. We’ve seen both “Good Ben” and “Bad Ben”. Unfortunately, we’ve probably seen “Bad Ben” more often than “Good Ben”. I know that Ben has battled a shoulder injury, but as long as Tomlin chooses to start him, I expect him to be able to perform.

Is it just me, or has anyone else noticed that every time Nate Washington has 2-3 steps on his defender, Ben under-throws the ball and totally neutralizes Nate’s advantage? Can you even remember one time this year when Ben over-threw the receiver on a long route? Me neither. Ben has just about the same number of interceptions (12) as touchdown passes (13). That’s definitely “Bad Ben”. By comparison, Tony Romo has 21 TD passes and only 8 interceptions this year.

Each week, we’ve basically seen the same thing; the defense dominates, while the offense fails to distinguish itself. So far that’s worked. Afterall, the Steelers are 9-3. But I don’t know if the Steelers can reach their ultimate goal with that formula. This week, just like every week, the most important struggle is going to be an internal struggle; “Good Ben” vs. “Bad Ben”. If “Good Ben” shows up, the Steelers can beat any team in the league. But if “Bad Ben” shows up, then the Cowboys may pull out a win this weekend. Advantage: TBD

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This Sunday, our Pittsburgh Steelers (9-3) face the Dallas Cowboys (8-4) at Heinz Field. These historical rivals haven’t faced one another since 2004. In that game, the Steelers defeated the Cowboys 24-20. Some may remember that that was the game in which Steeler Nation took over the Cowboys’ stadium on national TV. The TV announcers commented throughout the game about how there seemed to be as many Steelers fans on-hand as Cowboys’ fans, and that the Steelers fans were much louder than the Cowboys fans. That has nothing to do with this week’s game, but I love reminding Cowboys’ fans of that embarrassing moment.

To show just how long it’s been since these two teams met, Vinny Testaverde was the Cowboys’ quarterback the last time they played, and Ben Roethlisberger threw a touchdown pass to Plaxico Burress. Wow, Big Ben to Plax. That seems like eons ago.

The two teams that will meet this time have much in common. Both teams feature young franchise quarterbacks who have a reputation for being gunslingers. Both teams feature talented running backs who are battling injuries. And both teams have a linebacker who is among the leagues’ leaders in sacks.

First, let’s take a look at the two quarterbacks. They are both mobile, and both tend to hold onto the ball in order to try to make a play. Sometimes that leads to good results, and sometimes……. That’s why both quarterbacks receive similar criticisms from their fans.

Tony Romo is clearly the more prolific passer of the two. He’s already passed for more yards this season than Big Ben despite having missed three games due to injury. While both quarterbacks are known for their mobility, Romo doesn’t seem to be as susceptible to the sack as Roethlisberger. Romo has only been sacked 8 times this year, compared to 33 sacks for Big Ben. Over the past two seasons, Romo has been sacked 32 times versus 80 sacks for Big Ben (Ouch!).

Tony Romo enters the game with the league’s top passer rating (103.2). However, Philip Rivers, Jason Campbell, and Matt Cassel all learned that a high passer rating is meaningless against the Steelers.

At the running back position, both teams will probably have to rely heavily on backup players. Steelers’ starter Willie Parker and Cowboys’ starter Marion Barber are both battling injuries. Both will probably see action on Sunday, but both will probably be less effective than they’d like. If “Fast Willie” falters, the Steelers will call on Mewelde Moore, who has been quite effective filling in for Parker. If Barber is unable to perform, the Cowboys will call on rookie Felix Jones Tashard Choice. Like Moore, Choice has done a good job filling in when called upon.

We all know that the playing surface at Heinz Field can be brutal in the month of December. The weather forecast is calling for snow, so both teams will probably have to rely heavily on their running games. If you participate in fantasy football, you may want to pick up Mewelde Moore and/or Tashard Choice for this weekend.

On defense, the Cowboys feature linebacker DeMarcus Ware, the NFL sack leader. Ware has 15 sacks so far, and will hope to add to his total against the Steelers’ suspect offensive line, and tackling dummy Ben Roethlisberger.

The Steelers will answer the Cowboys’ Ware with a sack specialist of their own, linebacker James Harrison. Harrison is 3rd in the league in sacks, and would love to close the gap between DeMarcus Ware and himself during Sunday’s game.

The Cowboys are one of the top 10 offenses in the NFL this season. They average 356.4 yards per game. Unfortunately, this week they will be facing the NFL’s #1 ranked defense. The Steelers have not allowed any opponent to gain 300 total yards this season. In fact, they’ve kept every opponent below their season yardage average. The Cowboys should be prepared to meet the same fate.

With potentially sloppy conditions, the Cowboy’s greatest weapon, WR Terrell Owens will probably be slowed down greatly. Moreover, Owens will be facing Steelers’ CB Ike Taylor. Despite having hands of stone, Ike Taylor is one of the best cover cornerbacks in the NFL. He thrives on shutting down big name receivers. Just ask Randy Moss.

Despite having talented weapons in Tony Romo, Marion Barber, Felix Jones, Terrell Owens, and TE Jason Witten, the Cowboys’ offense is no match for the Steelers’ defense. With cold weather, a poor playing surface, and the potential for snow also working against them, the Cowboys will have little chance of beating the Steelers.

The one factor that could change that prediction is Ben Roethlisberger. If “Bad Ben” shows up, then the Cowboys may have a chance of winning the game. “Bad Ben” is Ben Roethlisberger’s evil alter ego. He is the one who throws unnecessary interceptions at costly points during the game. However, if “Good Ben” (the efficient game manager) shows up, then victory is almost assured.

With “Good Ben” running the show, I predict a Steelers’ victory by a score of 24-13.

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