Big Ben hands Colts Game on Silver Platter

I can’t blame Ben for everything, part of the blame has to go to the offensive line for not giving Ben any protection but the 2 interceptions which put the Colts in the red zone, that goes to Ben. Both interceptions were incredibly costly and put 10 points on the board for the Colts. If Ben doesn’t throw those interceptions, we win the game.

The day started out good, my Dad picked me up at the Hyatt at the Pittsburgh airport around 1130am and we headed downtown to meet friends for some tailgating fun. There is a very large group from our area that meets for every game in the Subway parking lot by Gate C.

We had a great time tailgating with friends and headed into the stadium around 3pm so we could enjoy some good food in the Club area. This is the first time we’ve sat in the North club and we were not disappointed.

However, the game was very disappointing. We had this game under control and a few mistakes really cost us a big game. The defense stepped up as usual but a couple blown coverages hurt us and cost us a touchdown. We kept Addai in check and didn’t allow them to run the ball and the pressure on Manning kept him from making too many big plays.

We are still in control of first place with a win over the Ravens, we just need a very strong finish. The upcoming home stretch is very important and we need to win every home game from this point on.

Check out some photos from the game below (you can click on them and view a larger photo)

Steeler Fanatic and Dad tailgating before the Colts Game

We sat in the North Club, it was a great spot!

Coin Toss

Ben Sets the Offense

Manning gets Sacked by James Harrison

Getting ready to Score a TD

The Interception that Cost us the Game! (can you believe I had the camera out for this)

Written by Pat Lovell - The Steeler Fanatic
Pat has been following the Pittsburgh Steelers for over 30 years and is known worldwide as "The Steeler Fanatic". If you are interested in contributing to this website or would like Pat to contribute to your Blog, Website or Publication, Click Here.

How to Blow a Game 101 – Steelers vs. Giants

I’m speechless… well, not really or I wouldn’t be posting to the Blog today but I am extremely disappointed at yesterday’s game. The defense did what they needed to do until the last 4 minutes. Everyone stepped up for the most part because of players dropping like flies and as I stated yesterday, mistakes would be the key to losing this game.

Oh boy were there mistakes… 4 interceptions, 5 sacks, knocked down 15 times and Ben looked like a deer in the headlights most of the day. Injuries happen and it’s part of the game so the long snapper deal should never happen, there needs to be someone there to backup Warren if he’s hurt. That one play cost us the game. Yes, that play turned things around for the Giants who were struggling on offense the entire game.

Our defense held them to 4 field goals the entire game and after the safety looked like an entirely different team, they let Manning march down field and score. We still had a chance but the play calling after we got the ball back was crazy.

There were some highlights to this game but after a loss like this, it’s hard to point them out. Let’s just say there are many players that need to get healthy and this home game stretch is crucial for us. We must win home games, that’s a given.

We have complete control of the division but we need to stay on top with big wins and for goodness sakes, play mistake free football!

Pat

Written by Pat Lovell - The Steeler Fanatic
Pat has been following the Pittsburgh Steelers for over 30 years and is known worldwide as "The Steeler Fanatic". If you are interested in contributing to this website or would like Pat to contribute to your Blog, Website or Publication, Click Here.

Super Bowl Preview against the Giants?

This week’s game is going to be huge and could be a preview for this year’s Super Bowl. I’m very excited about this game and for a couple of reasons. The first is we are playing at home, second we are the underdog going into this game and all the experts are picking the Giants to win. This team plays well when they are backed into a corner so, it’s the perfect scenario.

I was out of the country on business last week and missed the game against the Bengals but I did see highlights of the game. Here’s what I see are the keys to beating the Giants.

Offense
1. Protect Ben – that’s a given but the offensive line has stepped up over the last 2 games and it has showed.
2. Run the Ball Well- this is huge for a few reasons, it keeps the Giant offense off the field, controls the time of possession and keeps our defense rested and ready to hit.
3. No Turnovers – do not give Manning and the Giants any points off turnovers

Defense
1. Pressure Manning – Eli is much like his brother and needs time and doesn’t like to be hit, he will also make mistakes once he’s hit a few times, so hit him early and often
2. Control Plaxico Burress – Plax is going to be pumped for this game and want to score and make big plays against his former team, so keep him away from the ball.

These are critical to winning this game as well as the usual, stop the run, no big plays on special teams and play mistake free football. If we can play true Steeler football, we will win this game, if we make mistakes and allow big passing plays, it’s going to be a long day.

I watched the replay on NFL network yesterday of the 2004 game when we beat the Giants 33-30 and got pretty fired up watching it. We have to play a similar game to beat the Giants. Go Steelers!!

Pat Lovell

Written by Pat Lovell - The Steeler Fanatic
Pat has been following the Pittsburgh Steelers for over 30 years and is known worldwide as "The Steeler Fanatic". If you are interested in contributing to this website or would like Pat to contribute to your Blog, Website or Publication, Click Here.

Live Update – Monday Night Football

I don’t usually do this but I’m at home with my laptop for the game, so I thought I’d give my thoughts on the game while it’s happening. So far the offense is running the ball well and Ben seems to be moving out of the pocket. Check that, he just got sacked because he doesn’t want to throw the ball away.

That’s a big issue, he is so worried about throwing an INT that he rarely throws the ball away, he’ll almost always take the sack. I guess that’s not too bad but there are many times when he could just throw the ball out of bounds.

The Defense is looking good as usual, let’s keep this up and put all kinds of pressure on Flacco. Special teams are hitting hard as well. I’m feeling better about the game so far…..

Here we go Steelers! Crush the Ravens and stuff a terrible towel in Ray Lewis’ huge pie hole!

Written by Pat Lovell - The Steeler Fanatic
Pat has been following the Pittsburgh Steelers for over 30 years and is known worldwide as "The Steeler Fanatic". If you are interested in contributing to this website or would like Pat to contribute to your Blog, Website or Publication, Click Here.

Steelers Beat the Texans in Season Opener

What a game and what a great start to the 2008 season. When is the last time we’ve been able to pull starters in the third quarter of an opener? That’s pre-season and meaningless end of the season games. We man-handled the Mighty Texans. LOL

I was able to go to the game and had a great time, met some really good people and had great seats for the game. Welcome to the Club Level, the Steeler Fanatic will be sitting there from here on out.

I took a ton of photos with my new digital SLR camera, I’ll post some here now and when I get more time, I’ll put them up in the Photo Section.

Enjoy!

Written by Pat Lovell - The Steeler Fanatic
Pat has been following the Pittsburgh Steelers for over 30 years and is known worldwide as "The Steeler Fanatic". If you are interested in contributing to this website or would like Pat to contribute to your Blog, Website or Publication, Click Here.