Steelers #1 DVOA/#4 DAVE

[Finnegans Wake]

For you Supah Geeks who like this sort of thing.  More accurate than yardage metrics, impossible to explain without bullshitting, it's DVOA and DAVE!

They rank our D #1, our STs #1, and our offense #8.  

Now, can we play every game against the Browns?

Actually, was thinking about how we came out firing agains the Texans and Titans in 2005, killing weak opponents, and that season ended OK.

[Hercules50]

Interesting!

I haven't seen an NFL D stonewall an offense like that in forever. Aside from one drive, the Browns did absolutly nothing.

I can't wait to see how Tomlin's prep is rewarded in a big game against a quality opponent. I think that, unlike with Cowher, I will go into such games without feeling nauseated.

[Finnegans Wake]

You can also hyperlink to the individual D, O, and ST rankings.  Against the pass, our D was #2, against the rush #2, combined they were #1.  Our pass O was #4, but rushing was only #18.  Which, actually, seems about right.  Our rushing offense only really took hold in the second half, when our line wore them down.

[DCSteelers]

I think Buffalo will be a little more up to the task, but still, they have a beat up secondary and 2 starters IRd last week.   Not to mention a rookie RB, Lossman, and who are their receivers?

We may hold these rankings into next week

[padgfrombf]

Losman was wretched against Denver.  You have to assume that the Steelers will be able to stuff the run even more effectively than the Broncs.  If Losman and the passing game continue to tank, it could get ugly for them.  If you could turn back the clock, Peerless Price, et al would be OK, but not in 2007.

Denver gave up a ST touchdown and missed two FG's to almost hand the game to the Bills.  The Steelers may well be in the position to just not beat themselves at Heinz this week.  Don't know what effect Everett's condition will have, though.

[pensodyssey]

Don't know what effect Everett's condition will have, though.

I think the dramatic improvement in his condition will make it almost a non-issue.

[LambertsFrontTeeth]

Don't know what effect Everett's condition will have, though.

I think the dramatic improvement in his condition will make it almost a non-issue.

Yeah, I knew that guy was faking.  

[jasonic]

nice pensod,

i can always rely on you to see the dark side of the force....

[JerseySteeler]

Actually, was thinking about how we came out firing agains the Texans and Titans in 2005, killing weak opponents, and that season ended OK.

Funny.

After the game I said the same thing to the people that I was watching with.  Except I did add that the first game that season versus the Titans was won 34-7.  Eerie man...eeerrriiieeee  :terribletowel2:  

[Finnegans Wake]

Actually, was thinking about how we came out firing agains the Texans and Titans in 2005, killing weak opponents, and that season ended OK.

Funny.

After the game I said the same thing to the people that I was watching with.  Except I did add that the first game that season versus the Titans was won 34-7.  Eerie man...eeerrriiieeee  :terribletowel2:

The Ben of 2007 > the Ben of 2005.  In 2005, Ben had some mid-season injuries that threatened to sink the season, too.  We can hope that the OL firms up and we can avoid that.  Also in 2005, the defense was nowhere near its postseason form (e.g., the MNF fiasco versus the Colts, the Bengals shootout).  I don't think we're any worse in terms of personnel, and possibly better if older at some spots, and I think our pass D is (while still something of a work in progress) is more consistent.  Plus, this year LeBeau is unchained, so I expect big things in big games.

For 2006, it comes down to making sure the OL plays better, especially in pass pro on the left side, in getting a consistent run game going, and making sure the special teams play consistently.  That's it.  Turnovers are always something you want to minimize; third down conversions are always a benchmark.  But if we can get the OL, run game, and STs up to par, we'll be very good.