On offense, the drop by Sweed was huge. If he catches the ball, the Steelers’ lead becomes almost insurmountable. I would replace Sweed with McDonald in the rotation; McD has much better hands. Homes didn’t look like himself either. My prior comments about the running game also hold, notwithstanding the improvement in yardage. Most of our gains were off tackle plays between the 20s. In short yardage situations, the Steelers did not call one running play. The coaches know they can’t run behind this line, and the opposing defenses know it too, making us a one dimensional offense. Ben was left to convert 3rd and long repeatedly. In my opinion, he played a solid game at QB, despite the interception (did Santonio run the wrong route?)

In short, we are losing the battle in the trenches on offense and defense. It is a nasty trend that began in Tennessee last, repeated itself in a near loss in the Super Bowl, and has continued in two of three games this year. Last year, our defense was strong enough to mask our deficiencies; this year, the defense has aged before our eyes and cannot longer hold substantial leads. And I don’t see any new talent in Tomlin’s two drafts on offense or defense that are capable of stepping up. The team will undoubtedly improve as the year goes on, but there is no quick fix. At this point, the Steelers play like a slightly above average team at best. And San Diego is a better team than Cincy.

I also wanna know what’s up with the underneath stuff. I mean, we drafted Timmons for that; he’s supposed to be speedy and all and athletic yet, much like last week early in the game after a big play (he broke up n intended pass for Olsen) when he stuffed Benson on a run, he was owhere to be found! Farrior, who is slow and old, was on the pass coverage on that final touchdown and HE, not Timmons, was the one who Palmer threw at. Tomlin’s draft picks so far: Timmons—where is he (he was supposed to only be a nominal separation in talent between he and Patrick Willis, not a ten mile wide gap!), Woodley—okay but not this year so far, Spaeth—r u kidding me, Mendenhall—potential bust, Sweed—DEFINITE BUST, Bruce Davis—CUT, Hood—hardly on the field….Seems like we might have to become significant players in free agen…Wait, we don’t do that, so expect mediocrity where 6 of the 7 of the past three years’ first three rounders….SUCK!