It never ceases to amaze me the emails and sometimes flat out strange questions I get from fans. I know I have shared some with our readers in the past, and today here is yet another one, this time from a gentleman named Frank Trust, who put in the subject line “This is directed at Matt Loede”.
Matt-
Based on your negative projections of the Steelers. Perhaps we should just resign from the 2010 season. You have anything positive to say?
Puncie?
Wallace?
Worilds?
Ziggy Hood?
Dwyer?
Chezdon Butler?
Woodley?
Timmons?
Maybe you forgot the rest of the Steelers roster. Very concerning…
Frank Trust
The only thing I am thinking is that Frank may have gotten confused, thinking I was the one behind this post HERE
I felt I made it clear that the post above was written by BLEACHER REPORT, not by me.
As far as my current feeling towards the Steelers, here is where I stand as of now, with a month and a half before training camp kicks off.
1. Right now this looks like a 9-10 win team – The schedule, the comeback of Troy Polamalu, and the dedication to run Rashard Mendenhall and a few others more gives me confidence this team will be good. Not great, but good. Can they be great? Sure. But as of today, I think they will be 10-6, and challenge both the Bengals and Ravens for the division.
2. Harrison and Woodley are both All-Pro LB’s – I think this will be the season the Steelers two OLB’s finally get the credit they deserve for being studs. Harrison has already won the defensive player of the year award once, and I think Woodley can be as good, if not better. I am worried though long term about not getting a deal done for Woodley.
3. Let’s remember what we have at QB – I know we’re all still peeved about what Ben Roethlisberger did in the offseason, but let’s remember what we have ON the field. Ben is is STILL one of the top 5 QB’s in the NFL, and I know that it looks bad with him sitting for four games, but look at it like this – they lose the first four games (they won’t), they still have 12 games left in the season. If Ben comes back with a fire to play well, this team can be good going into the last two months of the year.
4. No one in the AFC North Scares Me – Yes, the Ravens to me are the best team in the division, I am not going to deny that. But, they and Cincy are just good teams, not great teams, and for sure not unbeatable teams. Baltimore’s D is getting older, and Cincy has a tendency to have bad seasons after good seasons, which is why I think they will for sure not be as good as a season ago. Oh yeah, the Browns are in the division – who cares. With my statement above, the Steelers can still win this division.
Ok, so there you go, some things I DO think about this team. Sorry Frank for the confusion, but please make sure you quote me on only what I do write, not what is just on the site. Thank you!
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DrGeorge
June 15, 2010 at 3:00 pm
Perhaps Mr. Trust thought you (Mr. Loede) were quoting the tepid opinion of ‘Bleacher Report’ approvingly. I doubt that anyone else was confused about your allegiance. One of the risks of stating an opinion publicly or reprinting someone else’s on any subject is to be (1) criticized and (2) misunderstood. It happens to the best. You’re in good company.
Although it seems a bit premature to predict the season record prior to viewing the new roster play their pre-season games, on paper the 2010 edition looks good enough to win at least 10 or 11 games this year.
Too many pundits are writing off those first four games. Without Ben, the Steelers are going to be conservative in their play-calling to avoid mistakes, which perfectly complements the avowed intent to run the ball more efficiently. That style of football does not require a Superman at QB. We could win all of those four games IF the defense can be rebuilt to its old dominance.
The second oversight of the media is the quality of this draft class. It was not filled with flashy names, but the picks were right on target with respect to team needs. When you watch the game tapes of the Steelers in 2004-5 (the year of Super Bowl 40), the team speed just leaps out at you (compared with last year). This year’s draft and free agency signings addressed the speed issue at O-line (pulling guards and centers), OLB, CB, and elsewhere. We should see a significant improvement in closing speed on defense. Some of these guys can flat out fly. That is no guarantee our defense will dominate opponents in 2010, as it did in year’s past, but it’s a step in the right direction. The organization is doing the right things to rebuild and get back to the playoffs. It could happen faster than anybody thinks.
Matt Loede
June 15, 2010 at 8:11 pm
Thanks DrGeorge, I appreciate the support.
As far as throwing down a prediction on the season, I will for the moment stick with 10 wins. I think they sweep the Browns, and sweep the Bengals and Ravens, which puts them at 4-2 right there. Then I think they beat the following teams –
Atlanta
at Tampa
at Miami
New England
Oakland
Carolina
That’s how I feel as of now, that may change following training camp or presesaon…but I think if they win 10 games, they will for sure find a way to the postseason.
jay
June 16, 2010 at 4:18 pm
Hey, Matt,
You definitely have more of an insider’s view of the team and what not than most (at least more so than someone living in eastern PA). What is with this surplus of guards….I see the rook from Tenn is considered a guard. What happens with all this (seeming) inside talent (i.e., Scott, kemo, Pouncey, and if Colon moves inside, Foster, etc.)? Who will play RT if Colon moves inside (whether it be mid season this year or the very near future such as 2011)? Who, in your opinion will be the three starting interior linemen this year and next?
DrGeorge
June 19, 2010 at 3:56 pm
Jay, as usual I agree with your unstated assumption that Colon is going to move to RG where he was more effective, probably sooner rather than later. Part of the O-line equation depends on whether Starks remains at LT. His footwork against speed rushers is not good, and that deficiency is minimized when he plays his old position, RT. Foster and both Scotts appear to be in the mix, and the outcome will probably turn on their development and production during camp. I have heard nothing in the media to suggest that any O-line changes are imminent, nor have I heard any comment that last year’s starters are a lock. Given last year’s performance, some O-line change would seem necessary and desireable, both for improved pass blocking and improved rushing. I too would like to hear Mr. Loede weigh in on this question. What’s the inside scoop, Matt?