Thank you Miami, and the recent release of Michael Vick, for making the Wildcat formation the hottest topic in the National Football League since Ray Lewis escaped murder charges.
Listen, the wildcat is exciting — in college. It can be pulled off in the NFL if used sparingly and with the right personnel. Miami has decent enough personnel in line to make it happen.
The Steelers, on the other hand, do not.
So it pains me to see someone legitimately questioning why the Steelers have not used Dennis Dixon in the wildcat formation yet. Apparently Ed Bouchette wrote something about it in his PG+ blog, but I’m too cheap to pay for that BS. Ed did write in his Q/A that “I was told when they drafted Dixon they might use him in various ways on their offense, but so far nothing. In my blog, I suggested ways in which he could be used.”
Of course, Ed suggesting ways he could be used in no way means he will be used as such.
It seems to me that no matter what formation you want to run, when the offensive line is as soft as a Tempur-pedic, you’re not going to be too successful. Please, I’m begging all Steelers fans that think this is a good idea, to reconsider. Because it’s not.
Dixon is not the answer to our run game. Isaac Redman is not the answer either. A better offensive line would be, but that’s not happening anytime soon.
And let’s hold off on the wildcat talk — at least until the Steelers draft Tim Tebow next year. He’s the answer to everything.
Sure, the Steelers are 1-2 (should be 3-0) and sitting behind both Baltimore and Cincinnati in the standings, but it’s not time to panic just yet. Should you be worried? Yes. Panicked? No. And this is coming from the most pessimistic fan you’ll ever meet.
However, things are not looking good. Polamalu is still out. Parker is now experiencing an injury and the San Diego Chargers, a very capable team, are trekking to Pittsburgh this weekend.
At 1-3, I’ll panic.
Apparently, though, I’m not the only one that isn’t ready to hit the panic button yet. Post-Gazette reporter Ed Bouchette had to address the question yesterday in his Q/A.
Question: Ed, am I crazy for not hitting the panic button just yet? Every article I’ve read over the last week sounds like the season is already over. I don’t see Reed continuing to miss field goals. Holmes just has to remember how to catch. LeBeau has to get the D in better positions in the fourth quarter. As for Limas Sweed, who really cares about him? I have full confidence that the issues will be addressed. Your thoughts?
Garrett Shanafelt, McMurray
BOUCHETTE: You are the rare bird indeed that you can keep your head while many around you are losing theirs. That panic button should be reserved for later. I have them winning the next three games to bring them to 4-2 heading into their home game against Brett Favre and the Minnesota Vikings. Enjoy the ride because it’s not nearly over yet.
Step back from the ledge, the rest of you.
This week is crucial. If the Steelers lose again, forget I said anything and I’ll meet you out on that ledge.
Sam Clayton, of Six Dollar Beer, is back for more this week. He hit the first week, and split last week, leaving himself 2 for 3 in Steelers bets this year. Again, a quick rundown of Sam’s stats to date if you forget who he is.
I’m finally ending the second poll. Left it up for a bit just to see what the response might be. In it, I asked who you thought would finish the season as the Steelers leading rusher. The results:
Fast Willie … 12 votes
MEMO … 8 votes
Mendenhall … 6 votes
Other … 2 votes
The readers believe that Willie will remain the starter and get the carries needed to remain the leading rusher when the season ends. I was surprised to see MEMO leading this poll at one point, but I understand. Mendenhall of fame really hasn’t proven anything yet, but I wonder the most, is who the other two votes are for. Big Ben? Redman?
Time will tell with this. If you don’t already have the stats memorized, here’s how it looks after week 2:
Fast Willie … 66 yards on 27 carries
MEMO … 21 yards on 7 carries
Mendenhall of fame … 45 yards on 7 carries
As far as fantasy goes, Yahoo! is directing its players to drop Fast Willie and snatch another back, due the Steelers increasing problems to move the ball.
In fact, the post indicates that Mendenhall is a strong buy. I don’t see it right now.
I’ve said numerous times that nothing is going to change without a different offensive line. But it also doesn’t help that the first two weeks came against some tough defenses in Tennessee and Chicago. I’m going to go out on a limb and say that someone on this team will rush for 100 yards against Cincinnati on Sunday. My best guess is that it will be Willie because he is the starter and remains Tomlin’s guy.
