The Reason Why We Didn't Beat Jax in the Playoffs

[Stryker]

We took the lead with 3 minutes to go in January and the D couldn't hold.

Last night we took the lead with just under 2 minutes, and the D held. Same game plan, different result. Last year's D was not good enough for us to advance. This year's D will take us Deep into the playoffs.

Idioteque, I am starting to lean toward your BA is a moron theory. Fortunately Ben is starting to call his own plays (like Manning did under his guidance). If this continues, BA will look like a genius for taking the playcalling out of his own hands.

I think it's criminal that Davis was on the field as the single back on 3rd downs before his injury when we picked up Moore to be our 3rd down back. That is a terrible decision to keep Parker, Mendenhall, and Moore on the sideline by having Davis on the field by his lonesome. Fortunately this is a problem was fixed due to injury. Davis should never be on the field unless it's with another back.

Finally, it's nice to see us run a short pass attack. With Moore, Ward, Holmes, Washington, Miller, and Spaeth, we have enough talent to exploit the blitz. We need to stick with it, and use it to establish the run through the pass. Great misdirection on Moore's circle route out of the backfield.

It's also great to see names that we developed: Kemeatu (SP?), Essex, Stapleton, and Colon doing a good job on the line. Was Starks on the game day roster? I'm still at a loss why he didn't step on the field when Smith went down. I don't care if the coaches hate him. He should want to get on the field to get a huge FA payday.

[BillvinCowbert]

We took the lead with 3 minutes to go in January and the D couldn't hold.

Last night we took the lead with just under 2 minutes, and the D held. Same game plan, different result. Last year's D was not good enough for us to advance. This year's D will take us Deep into the playoffs.

I don't agree with that at all....

Last year, we played NOT TO LOSE. We had a chance on offense to end the game, and we played it safe. We were SATISFIED with a 1-point lead.

On Sunday, we played TO WIN. We got into their territory and instead of playing for the FG attempt (maybe we're lucky that Reed was hurt), we played for the TD.

If we play for the FG there, and Jax only needs an FG to win the game, I don't know that our defense holds. It's a much different mindset when they have to drive the ENTIRE length of the field as opposed to only 30-40 yards.

You HAVE to put the game in the hands of your best player, and that's Ben. Last year, we didn't, on Sunday we did.

[SteelerAl]

We could also talk about the interceptions that Ben threw in the first half and the long kickoff return by MJD but that was LAST YEAR...I really think we need to discuss the play calling in the 2001 AFC Championship Game.

[Stryker]

I don't agree with that at all....

Last year, we played NOT TO LOSE. We had a chance on offense to end the game, and we played it safe. We were SATISFIED with a 1-point lead.

On Sunday, we played TO WIN. We got into their territory and instead of playing for the FG attempt (maybe we're lucky that Reed was hurt), we played for the TD.

If we play for the FG there, and Jax only needs an FG to win the game, I don't know that our defense holds. It's a much different mindset when they have to drive the ENTIRE length of the field as opposed to only 30-40 yards.

You HAVE to put the game in the hands of your best player, and that's Ben. Last year, we didn't, on Sunday we did.

We put it in the hands (or feet for that matter) of Big Ben in the playoffs. Same result, we left the drive with a Lead for our Defense to hold. Couldn't hold it in January, and absolutely demolished JAX this week when given the task. Hell, they wouldn't have even hit FG range on Sun night.

Defense wins Championships, and we have a Championship Caliber Defense.

[BillvinCowbert]

We put it in the hands (or feet for that matter) of Big Ben in the playoffs.

We got the ball back, called three idiotic runs and punted. We did not give Ben the chance to win us that game (even though he was amazing the entire 2nd half).

[Vader]

You HAVE to put the game in the hands of your best player, and that's Ben. Last year, we didn't, on Sunday we did.

We put the balls in Ben's hands last year as well. The brilliantly conceived sweep around left tackle with Essex being the tackle just after he got off the bench... I'm still shocked that play didn't work...

[Steelr4evr]

Holding by at least 3 Jag players and the refs swallowed the whistles....simple as that. I don't want to hear any of that well if we would have....please allow us to hold like other teams are allowed to do to our linebackers...Woodley&Harrison got held a bunch of times this last game as well. ...pffff the Jags can suck it.

The NHL did the same bull**** for years. I swear the NFL wants it to be Arena ball with all teams scores 40-60 points a game...**** that.

[Steelerman]

Mathis taking an INT 63 yards to the house didn't exactly help our chances.

[Vader]

Mathis taking an INT 63 yards to the house didn't exactly help our chances.

This game or last game?

[JEFFRO]

I'll subscribe to the theory that the defense could only hold for 2 minutes. Now had they had to hold for 3 minutes, that opens the Jags playbook and we don't hold because 3 minutes is an eternity.

But seriously our D is much improved and healthier than at any point in the season last year (yes, even with Hampton and Keisel out).

[In Ben We Trust]

I don't agree with that at all....

Last year, we played NOT TO LOSE. We had a chance on offense to end the game, and we played it safe. We were SATISFIED with a 1-point lead.

On Sunday, we played TO WIN. We got into their territory and instead of playing for the FG attempt (maybe we're lucky that Reed was hurt), we played for the TD.

If we play for the FG there, and Jax only needs an FG to win the game, I don't know that our defense holds. It's a much different mindset when they have to drive the ENTIRE length of the field as opposed to only 30-40 yards.

You HAVE to put the game in the hands of your best player, and that's Ben. Last year, we didn't, on Sunday we did.


Absolute $$$ post right here....if you go down with Ben trying to pass for a first down at the end of the Jax playoff game I can live with it. The rollout qb sneak was a joke and ultimately cost us the game. One first down and we move on...the coaching staff called plays like we had Jordan Palmer under center.

[Coryea]

But seriously our D is much improved and healthier than at any point in the season last year (yes, even with Hampton and Keisel out).

This defense is better with Hampton, Hoke is a very good player, but Hampton will make this defense that much better. The reason the defense is playing better compared to last year is pretty simple:
1. Woodley, when you can rush 4 or 5 guys and get to the QB with both OLB's it's huge, we couldn't do that with Haggans.
2. Aaron Smith is back, the best 3-4 DE in the NFL
3. Troy is healthy.

Then you have Hampton to the mix and this defense will be tough to do anything against.


This defense without Hampton and Keisel let the dynamic Raven offense go right down the field late in the game and tie it at home on Monday Night.

[t-man]

This defense is better with Hampton, Hoke is a very good player, but Hampton will make this defense that much better. The reason the defense is playing better compared to last year is pretty simple:
1. Woodley, when you can rush 4 or 5 guys and get to the QB with both OLB's it's huge, we couldn't do that with Haggans.
2. Aaron Smith is back, the best 3-4 DE in the NFL
3. Troy is healthy.

Then you have Hampton to the mix and this defense will be tough to do anything against.


This defense without Hampton and Keisel let the dynamic Raven offense go right down the field late in the game and tie it at home on Monday Night.

Incorrect. Haggans started over Woodley, and every LB to make the roster the year Harrison was cut (pick which year, he was let go a few times) is better. Arguments here on the board prove it- See every argument that "the coaches see them in practice, so they always start the most talented player"

;) Seriously, this defense has me excited every time they take the field, amazing talent this year. Now hopefully we can get everyone enough reps come end of the season to go strong into the playoffs and be able to rotate our lb core. That will make a huge difference down the road.

Joe

[avoidlloyd]

wonder if Reed wasn't hurt if we throw the pass or run up the gut and settle for 3??? I'm thinking we still throw it and hoping that Tomlin learned from last years mistake.

[topseed]

This defense is better with Hampton, Hoke is a very good player, but Hampton will make this defense that much better. The reason the defense is playing better compared to last year is pretty simple:
1. Woodley, when you can rush 4 or 5 guys and get to the QB with both OLB's it's huge, we couldn't do that with Haggans.
2. Aaron Smith is back, the best 3-4 DE in the NFL
3. Troy is healthy.

Then you have Hampton to the mix and this defense will be tough to do anything against.


This defense without Hampton and Keisel let the dynamic Raven offense go right down the field late in the game and tie it at home on Monday Night.

Jesus. Tell us how you really feel about Casey Hampton, would you? I'm almost expecting risque snapshots of the guy to show up in your avatar soon.

Let's not forget the huge 103-yard ground game (on 33 carries) the Ravens had, or the monsterous 13 points (and 65 rushing yards) the Eagles' offense hung on this defense without your idol "clogging up the middle." They're just so much better when Oinky is in there, aren't they?

[Coryea]

Jesus. Tell us how you really feel about Casey Hampton, would you? I'm almost expecting risque snapshots of the guy to show up in your avatar soon.

Let's not forget the huge 103-yard ground game (on 33 carries) the Ravens had, or the monsterous 13 points (and 65 rushing yards) the Eagles' offense hung on this defense without your idol "clogging up the middle." They're just so much better when Oinky is in there, aren't they?

The majority of the board agrees with me, no reason to get all pissy because you hate the guy.

[topseed]

The majority of the board agrees with me, no reason to get all pissy because you hate the guy.

Yeah, and the majority of the country put Bush back in office in 2004.

I don't hate the guy, I just don't think he deserves the 6.4 million dollars he's making, or almost $5 million a year more than Chris Hoke.

And I'm not "all pissy," either. In fact I'm rather amused with your rather repetitive stance about how superior the Steelers' defense is with Hampton, despite a large amount of anecdotal evidence to the contrary.

[Southern Steeler]

You've gone and done it now, Tom. Poor bastard.

[markymarc]

I definitely think our defense is much better than last year. No question Aaron Smith is the best 3-4 DL out there and it's not even close. We all see how much of a difference a healthy Troy makes on this defense. Woodley and Harrison our just beasts out there. When given the chance Timmons is making plays out there. I also believe that with McFadden starting that makes a big difference in the secondary. He has been huge the past few games. Funny how a lot of people including myself were very concerned about our DL and the depth. Kirschke, Eason, Hoke and Roye have all helped this defense. Finally, I think one thing that really helps us this year is our much improved special teams coverage. No question this helps our defense a lot due to opposing offenses not having great field position anymore. Also, Jeff Reed has done extremely well on kickoffs this year.

[JEFFRO]

This defense is better with Hampton, Hoke is a very good player, but Hampton will make this defense that much better. The reason the defense is playing better compared to last year is pretty simple:
1. Woodley, when you can rush 4 or 5 guys and get to the QB with both OLB's it's huge, we couldn't do that with Haggans.
2. Aaron Smith is back, the best 3-4 DE in the NFL
3. Troy is healthy.

Then you have Hampton to the mix and this defense will be tough to do anything against.


This defense without Hampton and Keisel let the dynamic Raven offense go right down the field late in the game and tie it at home on Monday Night.

I wasn't doggin on Big Snack or Keisel.

My point was that even with those 2 out, we are still a much better defense than last year. Again all to your points, Aaron Smith and Troy Polamalu are healthy, Woodley is a starter, McFadden is improved and I think he has surpassed DT.
All of the above and more.

And when we get the aforementioned 2 guys back we will be even better.

[dem-bad boys]

I don't agree with that at all....

Last year, we played NOT TO LOSE. We had a chance on offense to end the game, and we played it safe. We were SATISFIED with a 1-point lead.

On Sunday, we played TO WIN. We got into their territory and instead of playing for the FG attempt (maybe we're lucky that Reed was hurt), we played for the TD.

If we play for the FG there, and Jax only needs an FG to win the game, I don't know that our defense holds. It's a much different mindset when they have to drive the ENTIRE length of the field as opposed to only 30-40 yards.

You HAVE to put the game in the hands of your best player, and that's Ben. Last year, we didn't, on Sunday we did.

the truth has been spoken..

[topseed]

You've gone and done it now, Tom. Poor bastard.

Ah yes, it's been several weeks since the last meaningless interjection from Southern Stalker.

I knew you were due.

[Stryker]

Truth? I think the truth is difficult to handle here at times.

Jax game in the playoffs: We had the lead - Defense couldn't hold it, and we lost with the D on the field.

Jax game this year: We had the lead, Defense stiffened - Victory formation, ballgame.

Our D is better than last year though statistically we are #2 and not #1 in D. It's a long season, but we have a ton of weapons, and I haven't had this much fun rooting for D since Lloyd left.

[markymarc]

The defense is definitely carrying us this year. Hopefully they will keep it up for the entire season. Health and more weapons has made a difference.

[Southern Steeler]

Ah yes, it's been several weeks since the last meaningless interjection from Southern Stalker.

I knew you were due.

I didn't call your name. Think highly of yourself much?

[BillvinCowbert]

Truth? I think the truth is difficult to handle here at times.

Jax game in the playoffs: We had the lead - Defense couldn't hold it, and we lost with the D on the field.
You have a really bad memory. Last year, we took the lead 29-28, Jax got the ball back with 6:21 left and our defense HELD. Jax punted, we RAN THE BALL THREE TIMES, the last play being a damn QB sweep behind our 3rd string OT. This was AFTER we passed all over Jax in the 2nd half.... our prior 4 possession were FG, TD, TD, TD... our run pass selection on the prior two drives:

9 pass, 1 run
5 pass, 3 run

Then, we had a mediocre punt and Jax had the ball at midfield needing, oh, about 20-30 yards to get into position to win it. Remember what happened?

They get to 4th-2, and Garrard runs for 32 yards on a play that the NFL later admitted was incorrectly not flagged for holding. The defense DID stiffen.

Jax game this year: We had the lead, Defense stiffened - Victory formation, ballgame.

Our D is better than last year though statistically we are #2 and not #1 in D. It's a long season, but we have a ton of weapons, and I haven't had this much fun rooting for D since Lloyd left.
Our defense IS better than last year, agree 100%.

But, that has nothing to do with why we lost to Jax at the end of that game.

[Stryker]

You have a really bad memory. Last year, we took the lead 29-28, Jax got the ball back with 6:21 left and our defense HELD. Jax punted, we RAN THE BALL THREE TIMES, the last play being a damn QB sweep behind our 3rd string OT. This was AFTER we passed all over Jax in the 2nd half.... our prior 4 possession were FG, TD, TD, TD... our run pass selection on the prior two drives:

9 pass, 1 run
5 pass, 3 run

Then, we had a mediocre punt and Jax had the ball at midfield needing, oh, about 20-30 yards to get into position to win it. Remember what happened?

They get to 4th-2, and Garrard runs for 32 yards on a play that the NFL later admitted was incorrectly not flagged for holding. The defense DID stiffen.


Our defense IS better than last year, agree 100%.

But, that has nothing to do with why we lost to Jax at the end of that game.

Hey, I hate the non holding call as much as the next guy, but when the clock hit all zeros, the Defense was on the field (actually it was the FG Defense, but you get the picture).

[BillvinCowbert]

Hey, I hate the non holding call as much as the next guy, but when the clock hit all zeros, the Defense was on the field (actually it was the FG Defense, but you get the picture).

Tell us more things you remember incorrectly about that game.

[topseed]

I didn't call your name. Think highly of yourself much? Right. Ten minutes after Tom and I are having an exchange, you chime in by telling the "poor bastard" that he's "gone and done it now" in the very next post.

If you weren't referring to me, please feel free to explain whatever it was, precisely, that you were talking about.

Lie much?