Dear Pittsburgh Steelers: The Week 3 Edition

It’s during times like these that those fake fans will show their true colors, you know running over to the sexy shiny new object (Jets + Sanchez) or the older more experienced version (Vikings + Favre) or even the one that looks a lot like you, but isn’t you (Ravens).  But I love you and am not leaving you for some little fling.

But we definitely need to have a talk.  Because this relationship is a little one-sided right now.  We need to right the ship.  I need a little reciprocity.

First, let me tell you what I am happy about.   I know you are working hard, that you don’t really want to disappoint, yet you do.  So, let me say this.  I’m very proud of the offense.  Ben has been consistently great – even with a pick six due to a miscommunication.  it happens.  But he completed 22 of 31 for 276 yards and has proven to be a redzone threat with yet another QB sneak for a touchdown.

But really, Steelers, really, we need a true 3rd down back who has the size and strength to make a difference.  Willie just ain’t it.  I think you did have one, but he’s been relegated to practice squad – might wanna rethink that. Willie did what we want him to do yesterday.  That is  be fast, make moves.  Running the ball 25 times he amassed 93 yards…something I have been waiting to see for a while.  It was good.  And that 27-yard catch for a TD was also missed from FWP.  But we still don’t have the ability to run the ball on 3rd down and transition.  Why?

The big shout out of the day goes to Mike Wallace.  The kid has proven he’s got what it takes…everytime the ball goes to him, I hold my breath waiting for the drop or the fumble, but he does not disappoint.  Yesterday he had 102 yards receiving and made some key plays.  He continues to be successful.  I love Limas, I do and I really wanted him to have that 3 WR slot, but he’s got to follow through.  The ball in the endzone…it was caught. He dropped it when he landed on his elbow and it bounced the ball free.  I get it, and it’s not his fault that there was an L instead of a W in the checked box.

Of note, it was also Hines Ward’s 10,000 yard catch.  Congratulations Hines. Still love you…oh and by the way, at least one of those holding calls was bogus.  They were out for you.  But you knew that already.

What I am disappointed in is the defense.  Sure, without Troy there is a significant gap on the field…but I’m going to need someone, anyone, to stand  up and be a leader.  Someone needs to be the leader on that defense and take responsibility for the defense until Troy gets back.  There are many, many talented folks on our defense…stand up and make it great.  You are great.  Someone…be a leader!

I know the Rooney’s like to keep it simple and basic, but did ya’ll NOT have HBO at training camp? Because if you watched Hard Knocks, you would have known what was coming at you.  You didn’t need fancy tape from game after game…because sometimes it comes down to heart, passion and commitment.  The Bengals could have given up. They were down 20-9 at the beginning of the 4th quarter but they kept on playing.  Isn’t it Mike Tomlin who says there are 60 minutes of football in a game? Where were you all that last 15 minutes?  The offense had it won, all you had to do was keep it.

Now, I’m going to let you go, gel, bond, whatever it is you need to do.  Take some “me” time and get it together.

The Chargers aren’t going to be a walk in the park, so let’s get moving.

I still love you.

xoxo

Steelergurl