Will the real Steelers please stand up?

I'm still reeling from Sunday's win against the Colts. Which brings me to some questions.

I would like to hear this forum's opinions on the team in an open discussion.

Is this team finally beginning to form chemistry? Do you believe it was the adjustments made in the game plan that contributed to the victory? Is the team really talented, and just needs time to further develop? Do you believe we will remain consistent for the rest of the season? Were the flashes of brilliance a fluke?

These are just some random questions and I'm interested in hearing what you all think about our play yesterday and where this team is headed for the remainder of this season, and the foreseeable future.

Let's talk!

Seems like every year since 2011, we raise the same questions. Which team is the real Steelers? Is it the team that torched the Colts last night? Or is it the team that got crushed by the Browns? Let me drill this down a little more. Is it the offense we saw yesterday? Or is it the offense we saw against the ravens a few weeks ago? Is it the defense we saw against the Panthers? Or is it the defense we saw against the browns (and somewhat last night against the Colts)?

Honestly, I think they're a team some where in between. I don't think they've found their true identity, and I certainly don't think they've hit full stride yet. With that being said, I certainly don't think they are bad defensively as they were against the ravens and browns. I believe they can get better than what they were last night and against the panthers. Offensively, I know we can better than what we were last night (but not by much), and by no means are we the putrid offense we saw against the ravens and browns.

I think we're starting to see the rookies get their feet underneath them. And with the BYE week soon to be upon us, you're looking at the walking injured to return to the fold. What does that mean? It means look out, nothing says look out like a well rested veteran who is back from injury.

Strap in people, this ride is about to get....



















AWESOME!!!!!

I think you're spot on Truck.  They haven't found their identity yet.  I believe this stems from a team in transition/rebuilding mode, along with coaching staff changes the last few seasons.

You said it yourself (in so many words), that it takes a few years for an OC to settle in and gel with the players.  

I'm still concerned about our defense even though they actually generated some turnovers yesterday (wasn't Gay's interception a beautiful sight to behold)?  But then again, we cannot expect the same play we got from our 2007/2008 D either.  I am as guilty as the next person when I say we (steeler fans) need to have some patience.

In retrospect, that smack down by the Browns, I think, did us some good.  I think they were so embarrassed they said "no more".

A few times this season a few of us posted that they seem to lack heart, passion, and didn't look prepared or that they cared.  Interestingly, I heard Tunch remark that yesterday, players were very intense during pregame warm ups.  Keisel said BR7 was as focused before the game as he had ever witnessed, and was yelling in the tunnels (which Ben doesn't normally do).  I will go to my grave believing that talent isn't everything.  Heart and passion are the other parts of the equation and there are many, many examples of players that were mediocre talent-wise, but their passion and intensity made them into superstars.

I also think Cortez Allen will improve (I may be the only one that believes this).  I think he lost his confidence, but will get better in time.

I don't care if the real Steelers stand up as long as those Steelers that played yesterday continue to show up. This team still has no true identity, and I don't know if that's a bad thing. I'd like to say that it means you never know what you are going to get which can cause a headache for other teams (and for the Steelers if they don't execute). I think we are watching the development of Bryant revolutionize this passing game. With him being able to stretch the field, it's going to open it up for other guys (not to mention he is a heck of a weapon). Bryant coming into form also puts pressure on Wheaton who was the clear #2 receiver. BR7 doesn't care where his toys fall in line as long as they perform, so the inter-position competition is great for this team.

On defense, Shazier made a nice impact (even though he didn't make any huge plays). He seemed to be around the ball a lot and even made 4 tackles (2 solo) and had a hit on the QB. Every tackle means a spoiled opportunity for the offense to score a touchdown.