Going Behind The Steel Curtain
I've recently signed on as a contributor to Behind The Steel Curtain, the biggest and best Steeler blog on the web. Therefore, you'll be seeing fewer Steeler and NFL posts over here (but many more over there).
Kicking off the preseason with Skippy
NFL preseason games are, by and large, rather terrible. But we watch. Why? Two main reasons.
First of all, we're football-starved and football-crazed. We want to watch football.
But also, it's our time for scouting. Watching preseason games, you can't tell much from a team standpoint (limited schemes, veterans who don't care, substitutions that would never occur during a regular season game), but you can certainly evaluate individual players. Especially the young bucks, new additions and players stepping into larger roles this season.
During the Steelers' opening preseason game against Detroit, I'm sure most people were watching Ziggy Hood, Byron Leftwich, Joe Burnett, Keenan Lewis, Antonio Brown, Maurkice Pouncey, Dennis Dixon, Isaac Redman and so on, and so forth. As was I. But there's one player I watched more closely than anyone else: Jeff "Skippy" Reed.
Football Outsiders (every football fan should buy FO's Almanac) determined that, last season, the Steelers had "the worst net kickoff value of any team since kickoffs were moved back to the 30-yard line in 1994." The culprits? " ... horrific coverage combined with the weak leg of Jeff Reed ... "
It's not just the coverage. I think I might have mentioned this before. Reed had three touchbacks last season — good for 30th in the league. He averaged 59.8 yards per kickoff — which means he ranked 41st in that category. In a 32-team league. Oof. Reed had the worst kickoff yardage of any full-time NFL kicker last season.
And yet, despite these statistics, a kickoff leg that is getting weaker and his special brand of off-field antics, Reed returns.
Reed has made some big field goals over the years. But a kickoff leg is more important than you might think.
Field goals, of course, are the only reason why Reed is still around. In the era of extremely accurate field goal kicking, Reed is in the top third of active kickers in terms of field goal percentage. No complaints there. I won't anoint him for making field goals other kickers make, but I won't crucify Reed for missing a few field goals against the Bears, either. It happens.
Most people don't think of replacing Reed. He's become a constant. But whenever it's suggested, you're bound to hear the same defense of Skippy: "But he's the only guy who can kick at Heinz Field!"
How many other Steeler kickers have we had during that time? One. Kris Brown, for one season. Kris Brown, one of the least accurate kickers in the NFL. Kris Brown, whose field goal percentage has actually been worse during his eight seasons in Houston than it was during his three seasons in Pittsburgh. Maybe we should just realize we're comparing Reed to a poor field goal kicker. Nearly everyone would look good by comparison.
But the defense doesn't rest there. Exhibit B (or A, for many fans) involves visiting kickers missing field goals at Heinz Field, as they are wont to do. But why would we compare Reed, who's attempted far more field goals than anyone else at Heinz Field, to a visiting kicker who isn't familiar with kicking at the stadium? Who's to say, had we cut Reed and kept Rob Bironas, that Bironas wouldn't be the guy who could magically tame the wild grasses of Heinz Field? As of now, we're giving Reed too much credit on that point.
Anyway, during the first preseason game, I tracked Reed's kickoffs, measuring hang time and noting where the ball landed (or was caught). For comparison, I tracked a few other kickoffs: Detroit's Aaron Pettrey in the same game, and a few kickoffs from tonight's DEN-CIN tilt.
Jeff Reed
3.63 seconds - landed at the 8-yard line
3.62 - the back of the end zone (!) Bob Pompeani pointed out the wind was at his back, but still, good for Reed.
3.94 - 1-yard line
3.96 - 11-yard line
(Around this time, my wife walked in on me using the stopwatch function on my cell phone.)
"What are you doing?"
"Timing kickoff hangtime."
" ... I'll be in the dining room."
3.84 - 1-yard line
3.88 - 5-yard line
Aaron Pettrey (DET)
4.19 - 6-yard line
3.81 - 8-yard line
Dave Rayner (CIN)
4.1 - 4-yard line
Matt Prater (DEN)
4.5 - 15-yard line
4.39 - 6-yard line
I stopped after that. You get the point. Yes, it's a small sample size. But even when accounting for human error in timing, I'm still very concerned with Reed's inability to get decent hang time or yardage on his kickoffs. At his age, there's no reason to believe Reed will improve at this. He's putting the coverage team at a severe disadvantage.
I don't know what can be done at this point, other than Daniel Sepulveda getting a look on kickoffs. There was some talk about that. Perhaps it's still being bandied about. But if Reed keeps kicking off, I suggest the Steelers get creative. If he can't boot 'em into the end zone — or anywhere near it — perhaps he'd be better off working on hang time than distance. Or maybe he can master some sort of wacky squib kick.
If the Steelers can get great tackling on kickoffs this year, they could be an average kickoff coverage team. With Reed's kickoffs, maybe that's the ceiling. But after last season, average results would be applauded.
The night they drove the Igloo down
That's hockey. For better or worse.
Maybe some of the newer Pens fans aren't used to this, but for a guy who's been with the Mighty 'Guins through thick and thin for a few decades, that's how it often goes. Most seasons don't end with your team in the Stanley Cup Finals. The last team to make three straight Stanley Cup Finals? The 1984-85 Edmonton Oilers. There's a reason it hasn't happened in 25 years. It's REALLY HARD.
So many things could be written right now, after the last game in Civic/Mellon Arena history. I guess I'll just write everything that ran through my mind during Game 7. At least everything I can remember. This might ramble on. I might get lost along the way. Bear with me.
The Pens clearly weren't right from the get-go tonight. It's easy to say they were nervous — maybe they were. You could also say they were tired. They've played a ton of hockey the last few years. Again: '84-'85 Oilers.
You could say the worst habits of this year's team all came out at the wrong times. The strange turnovers. The bad goals. All of the scurrying around in their own zone. The power play that got a bit too fancy at times. The constant forechecking that didn't create a good scoring opportunity — or any scoring opportunity at all. The fact that maybe something was just a bit off.
You could throw around a lot of words. You could try to place blame on a player, or a coach. Maybe that's your thing. You could curse your team. You could boo. It's easy to be a fan when you're winning.
You could blame the stars, because that's who should carry the team. But hockey isn't basketball. Crosby and Malkin aren't guaranteed wide open ice and a fair share of chances. That's just not how it works. That's why the Crosby-Ovechkin argument gets tiresome. There are so many differences between the players, and so many other factors. Both players are spectacular. I wish fans on both sides — all sides — could see that, but hockey fans are very provincial by nature. A shame, but you take the bad with the good.
Talk is only that. What did you feel? Were you angry when they went down 1-0? 2-0? Did it take you until the third or fourth goal to boil over?
I was nervous at first. After 2-0, I was calm. I was frustrated after 4-0, simply because I didn't want the team to look like it didn't care. I had the thought that "sports teams owe us nothing." But that's not really true. They don't owe us titles. But they should owe us an honest effort.
And that's what we got. They didn't win, but they mounted a comeback. For at least a few minutes, you had to believe the Pens had a shot. There was a spark. If you couldn't feel that, maybe you shouldn't be watching hockey.
A friend of mine wondered, prior to tonight's game, if the Pens were fighting against a team of destiny. Were the Hockey Gods on their side? I don't believe in that stuff. Not to sound bitter, but if that Habs team is a "team of destiny," the so-called Hockey Gods are loons. This Canadiens team is not really that interesting. They're not a great story (except for Halak). They stand in front of the net, block shots, and they counterattack. They're an opportunistic group, for sure, but for most of the game, they play boring hockey. Why would the Hockey Gods get behind this team? What's the reasoning? A Montreal-Boston series could be the most boring conference finals in recent memory.
But I digress. Because, as you saw, the Canadiens deserved to win that game, and that series. They took it to the Pens in that game. You may not like the current Canadien brand of hockey, but they don't care. And neither do their fans. I don't care for it, but I don't care for the neutral zone trap either, and look what that's done for the Devils. It's a part of hockey now. Don't hate the players, hate the game. Like every sport, hockey has its flaws. It's like any sport: If you're going to be a fan, you just have to accept the quirks.
But forget the Devils. As a co-worker astutely pointed out today, this Canadiens team is similar to the Hasek-era Sabres: Rely on opportunistic scoring, a smart defensive system and a goalie who's playing out of his mind. And Jaroslav Halak is out of his mind.
Down 4-2 at the start of the third, the Pens had a power play. They had chances. Great chances. It didn't matter. Halak was everywhere, just like he was against the Caps. The hot goalie. He couldn't be beaten. Sometimes, that's hockey.
Does winning the Cup last season make this easier to swallow? Of course it does. Maybe this reads a bit too casual, but it's from the heart. It's catharsis.
Why do you watch sports? Sports are supposed to be fun, right? Otherwise, what's the point? When I was a kid I would cry when my favorite teams lost big games. Does that mean that I don't care as much as I once did? That's one explanation.
But I watch every game. I actually dreamed about Game Seven last night. I buy jerseys. I read blogs. I can tell you where I was during key moments in my life as a Pens fan. I can remember the feelings.
I definitely care. There's no doubt about that. But as I get older, I'm gaining perspective. At least that's what I tell myself.
So, I watched until the clock hit zero. I can't walk away. Not from this team. If that works for you, that's cool. I get it. But I'm not the type.
This game didn't end with another glorious Penguin celebration. But most of the time, it doesn't. I personally don't think any less of the players. I'm not going to judge their careers based on one game. This is a great team. It's a fun team to watch. This is a great time to be a Pens fan. We are lucky. Don't forget that. It's not too long ago that we were trying to talk ourselves into Konstantin Koltsov and Ramzi Abid. I mean, do you remember watching Dan Focht? This current team is so easy to love. Don't fight it.
But for tonight, by all means, be angry. Be sad. Be depressed. Be whatever you have to be.
But you'll be back next season, won't you?
I will. Go Pens.
Ben, most people would turn you away
Trading Roethlisberger. Where to begin? Where does it end?
As the NFL Draft approaches, it's OK to feel conflicted, Steeler fans. Honest. It's only human.
Maybe you disapprove of Roethlisberger's actions, but you understand that he's a great QB, and that he's vital to the success of the team. That's perfectly reasonable.
Maybe you've looked at the facts, and you don't think they add up. Maybe you're firmly on Ben's side. You think things have gotten out of hand, and the alleged victim (or victims) aren't trustworthy sources. That's your right. No charges have been filed, but we're all playing judge here, let's admit it. Everyone has their own verdict.
Maybe you want the Steelers to rid themselves of Roethlisberger in any way possible. You think the guy's a creep, and you don't want to have anything to do with him. It's a perfectly reasonable stance.
It's a tumultuous time in Steeler nation, and fans are taking sides. But let it be known that most of these stances have legitimate points, whether you agree with them or not. All of these opinions should be respected.
(Except for the opinion that "if Cowher was here this wouldn't have happened." That's both irrelevant and absurd. Though he may not always act the part, Roethlisberger is a grown man. You can't pin blame for his decisions — or any other player's off-field decisions — on Tomlin any more than you can pin blame on your boss for your co-worker's DWI.)
It all comes down to priorities. What do you want from your football team? Wins above all else? Do you really need your quarterback — or any other player — to be a role model?
Personally, I just don't know if I can root for the guy anymore. That's the truth. And that's why I want the Steelers to trade Ben. I think the pattern is too upsetting. I've read the most recent police report, and from someone who's read his fair share of police reports, it's disturbing.
Is it he said/she said? To a certain extent, yes. But I've got to be honest, I just don't feel like dealing with these trials and tribulations. Enough is enough.
If we struggle for a short period of time, if the Steelers go 6-10 ... so be it. I love 'em, but their success isn't the most important thing in my life. I just want a team I can root for without hesitation.
And from a strictly football standpoint, now might be the time to trade Ben, if anyone will have him. He's already won two Super Bowls, but with his recent history of concussions, and the way he plays the game (which I love, by the way) ... well, he's the type of QB who could easily see his career cut short. I know he's an ox, but a body can only take so many big hits. And coming off a great statistical season, his on-the-field value may never be higher.
Now, I'm not going to play revisionist. I'm not going to act like Ben's not a great QB. He is. The Steelers couldn't have won those two Super Bowls without him. This is fact. For those who want to point to his Super Bowl XL performance, I'll direct you to the three previous playoff games in the same year. Acting like the Steelers were some dominant force who could have plugged in anyone at QB and won those Super Bowls is silly revisionism and it speaks to a lack of football knowledge. It's not true.
But does that mean we could never win a Super Bowl again without him? Of course not. One way is not the only way.
It looks like an impossibility at this point, but my suggestion was to trade Ben to the Rams for the #1 overall pick. Would I draft Sam Bradford with that pick? No way. I'd be saying, "Suh me!"
That's right. I'd take Ndamukong Suh and I wouldn't stop there. I'd grab a cornerback, safety or linebacker with the other first round pick. I'd go defense-heavy throughout the draft. Basically, I'd attempt to build the most dominant defense the league has ever seen. I think Suh will be such a force that he'll make any defense significantly better. I think we could move him up and down the line in a 3-4. Add him to a defense with Harrison, Hampton, Woodley, a returning Aaron Smith and Troy Polamalu, plus an influx of young talent, and I'll take my chances with Dennis Dixon.
Is this crazy? Who knows? Most Super Bowl-winning teams have great quarterbacks these days. It's a passing league, but I'd make it really hard for the other team to pass (or run) with any effectiveness.
Can't get Suh? How about pairing Eric Berry with Polamalu? How about Rolando McClain to put some young talent in the LB corps? How about Kyle Wilson? Get impact defensive players. That would be my plan.
The possibilities are out there. But they'd definitely be in the years AB — After Ben. Whether or not you can get with that is completely up to you.
If Ben stays on the team, will I root for him next season? I don't know. I've never had this reaction of disgust and disappointment with an athlete before. It's hard to say. I do know one thing, though. My Polamalu jersey will be the go-to garb next season. The #7 will remain on the hanger, in the dark closet.
***
And once again, thank goodness for the Penguins. I don't know if there's a single thing I dislike about the Pens. Talk about a team that deserves all of our love and respect — and then some. All of this Ben stuff is really just a sideshow to the NHL playoffs right now.
(But what a sideshow it is!)
You’re welcome, NFL
In mid-January, I wrote about a way to improve the final week of the NFL's regular season.
Well, it appears as if someone at NFL headquarters is a reader of my blog. Because the NFL is taking my advice. Week 17 will feature only divisional games.
So, you're welcome, NFL. If you need more ideas, you know who to ask. But no more freebies.