Sunday, November 17, 2013

Steelers, Penguins, Pirates Musings

  Today is Sunday November 17. I have to listen to the Steeler game on the computer while I type this. I just don't have confidence in them to go out and watch if it is not on a local station. I don't recall a team in recent memory that was so poor in almost every aspect of the game from special teams, to defense, to offense. The loss of so many key pieces from the teams of the last ten years is showing. I also beleive they have had sub-par drafts lately that contribute to their lack of success. None of their top picks in the last few years has really stood out. My final thought on the Steelers is the ousting of Bruce Arians was a major mistake. Their philosophy of trying to keep Big Ben healthy is like telling Sydney Crosby to just stand at the blue line and with for the puck to come to him. Ben is going to take hits and that is an inherent risk of his style of play let alone having a decimated offensive every year. Let him loose to fling the ball down field and start scouting the college ranks for his replacement now. He has two years left on his contract and it is time to think about a post- Roethlisberger future. I really don't want to relive the post- Bradshaw era. Can you remember Cliff Stoudt, Mark Malone, Bubby Brister, Kent Graham, David Woodley, Jim Miller, Mike Tomzcak, Kordell Stewart, and Tommy Maddox just to a name a few?
 Antonio Brown just scored. A five pass, three run drive.
  Next topic: the Penguins. What is going on? After a torrid start they have dropped five of the last six and have two three game losing streaks. Fluery has a save percentage of .918 but I think that number is misleading and it is alot lower in his last several starts. The Pens are on TV frequently on NBC Sports Net and I watch when they are on. Too many games start with the Pens coming out peppering the opposing goalie with numerous shots only to have whoever it is look like Patrick Roy and when the opposition finally gets a shot or two on net one goes in. The Pens will carry the play for several minutes at a clip but can't seem to bury the puck. They need a better presence in the front of the other team's net to get those "dirty" goals. WOW the Steelers just scored again. Now I feel stupid sitting in the trailer listening to it. Anyway almost every team seems to have an excellent scouting report on the Penguins because that Malkin one- timer is getting snuffed constantly on the power play. They need to try a different combination on the first unit PP. I know Martin has been out but he wasn't lighting the lamp. Also, what is the deal with Chris Kunitz? I swear he has more goals waved off because of a distinct kicking motion than any player I have seen. The good thing is that the season is long from over and as long as they get hot going into the playoffs is all that matters. Speaking of Malkin maybe it is time to move him. This is two years in a row now that he is not producing. Only nine goals last year and only three so far this year.
  How about 'Cutch winning the MVP? He didn't lead the league in any category but on a team with no real superstars they pushed the eventual pennant winner to an elimination game and he at times put the team on his back. He has some of the quickest hands I have ever seen allowing him to sit back and hit any kind of pitch. With him and Sterling Marte they should have the outfield locked down for many years. Can't wait until next year.

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