The hype was there as the days' games came to a close and the night game was upon us. Our opportunity to get a win against the Steelers in Pittsburgh was at our fingertips. LT coming back, which one would have assumed would have allowed us more balance between the run and pass on the offensive side of the ball.
Instead we were quickly reminded how banged up we are on the defensive side of the ball.
The Steelers opened things up with pass after pass, moving the ball at pace, down the field. Then right before our eyes, what looked like a broken play on the defensive side, but with the Steeler receiver appearing to only get one foot down, it left me saying, "wow that was close". To my surprise the official ran to the spot and signaled it a completion. I calmly said, "throw the flag....you yellow bellied bastard!"** However, NORV neglected to throw the flag and the play stood. Before I could blink they were in the end zone. Not that a single play on that first drive decided the game, but come on, we are issued a RED flag for reasons such as these. THROW THE DAMN FLAG NORV!
The Steelers opened things up with pass after pass, moving the ball at pace, down the field. Then right before our eyes, what looked like a broken play on the defensive side, but with the Steeler receiver appearing to only get one foot down, it left me saying, "wow that was close". To my surprise the official ran to the spot and signaled it a completion. I calmly said, "throw the flag....you yellow bellied bastard!"** However, NORV neglected to throw the flag and the play stood. Before I could blink they were in the end zone. Not that a single play on that first drive decided the game, but come on, we are issued a RED flag for reasons such as these. THROW THE DAMN FLAG NORV!
As the offense took the field, the confidence was there that we were going to drive right down the field and tie this game quickly. After all, the Bears and the Bengals didn't have much difficulty doing so. Instead we played as we have all season; a dismal first series to begin the game and gave the ball right back to the opponent. In this case it was the Steelers, who showed us the areas where we were affected by injury. Running up the gut on us would NOT happen should big 76 be in there at nose tackle. Unfortunately for Stephen Cooper, he is not, and we saw time and time again what its like to not have that presence in the middle.
As the game progressed and the deficit grew, I kept hope as I always do that we would turn things around allowing us the opportunity to get the win. Those of you who know me well, know that I carry confidence of a Win from the opening kick off until the last whistle.
We found ourselves far behind, but we never for a moment showed any sign of quit. Instead we began doing what we should have been doing all game long. (Future Note To Norv: Dammit!! We better open it up like that earlier next time so we can put some points on the board before we're dead and buried). Gates was a man out there, and seeing him utilized properly was an encouraging sign. Jackson stepped up as we have come to expect, and there was even a Chambers sighting on Sunday.
We gave them a scare on Sunday Night, but when it really came down to it our defense was not up to the challenge. That is where the concern lies moving forward. Our game plan moving forward must allow for the offense to open things up from the get go and put points on the board. That is a recipe that will reward us some wins, as we must compensate for our lack luster defense this season.
Enjoy the bye week gentlemen (and ladies), and be ready to come back in two weeks when we are more healthy and ready to show the Donkey's that they are overrated and have been nothing but lucky.
It is our opportunity to right things and put the Donkey's and baby Belichick in their rightful place. The losing side of the ball game.
Why would you call him Baby Belichick?
BOLT PRIDE!
Charger Fan in Donkey Land
Editor's Note:
**I added the "yellow bellied bastard". Creative license.
Editor's Note:
**I added the "yellow bellied bastard". Creative license.
You're an optimistic motherfucker, and I like that about you Nate! But who gives a crap about the playoffs if we have the sort of D that will get rolled in the 1st round?
ReplyDeleteOur only chance, as you said, is to open up the offense and play with a lead. That alone could help our porous D immensely.
What happens when Brandon Marshall goes against Cromartie again after the bye? I think I'll go ahead and start Marshall in FF that week.
There is a silver lining to the Broncos starting off so well...it sure makes Cutler look even douchy-er!