More evidence as 2 why J-Rich wants 2 emulate Steelers

[top dawg]

The Steelers are back in the Super Bowl, and will undoubtedly be the favorites. The Panthers, and other organizations for that matter, would benefit from learning things that the Steelers already know and implement, the first being that dedication to defense, a hard-nosed running game, and an efficient and consistent QB are what sustains playoff caliber--and indeed championship level football---for years upon years.

The Panthers need to hire, and be willing to pay, a top flight defensive coordinator. We also need a head coach that is dedicated to the defensive side of the ball and a running game, but is not afraid to make "gutsy calls" when warranted. Noll, Cowher, and now Tomlin believe in a conservative brand of football (and probably rightly so), but will go on 4th down, call a surprise on-side kick, a flea flicker, or have an RB or WR pass every now and then. Of course, you can afford to be somewhat more dynamic when you have a great defense to smooth over things when things go astray offensively.

Isn't it funny how the Steelers did not have legitimate chances to reach the Super Bowl when they relied on second-rate, shaky QBs at the helm. The Cliff Stoudts, Mark Malones, Neil O'donnells and Kordell Stewarts of the world would make good plays, but they were just as likely to throw inopportune interceptions on some pretty big stages. In short, they were not the kind of QBs that you could consistently count on to get you over the top. Though some may not want to hear it, Jake Delhomme is of that same mold, and our defense no where good enough to cover the ills of his ineffeiciency, being highly suspect itself. Big Ben is not a QB with the most flare, but he is a star. Even despite running for his life because of a suspect O-line, he still finds ways to win. He's as tough as they come, and last season he had the highest efficiency rating of any QB in the NFL, and he's always somewhere near the top every year in efficiency. With Roethlisberger and their core defense and, the Steelers will be in the post season mix for the next decade. Moreover, with their organizational philosophy they will never have too many "off" years. The proof is in the pudding.

Lastly, the Steelers always seem to have at least one big play receiver, and can count on their number 2 (or possibly 3) to make the huge plays when their number is called as well. Hines Ward, Santonio Holmes and Nate Washington are those guys (not to mention Heath Miller, technically a TE, but used very smartly in the passing game).

Now when using the Steelers as a gauge, the Panthers have it right in really only two areas: the running game, and possibly the passing game (though we need to use the TEs more intelligently in the flow of our offense). Also, IMHO, the coaches need to probably call a little more screen plays, draw plays, and other plays of misdirection more in their offensive play calling. Coach Fox may or may not be a Noll, Cowher or Tomlin. He could still be given the benefit of the doubt, but just as deservedly could be fired for someone who is better able to adjust to the flow of the game. Trgovac is not that guy, and some changes in defensive philosophy and/or personnel have to be made to sustain ourselves within the NFL's elite organizations. Jake Delhomme is not that guy.

Basically, what I am saying, is that we may luck ourselves into a championship with the coaches and personnel that we have now, but we need to make some real changes to become a top team in year in and year out. When the opposition comes to Charlotte, they have to know that the game is going to be tough because our owners, coaches and players (most importantly your QB) are tough, and they know what the hell they are doing at all times, and are not afraid to punch you in the mouth and the nose by any means necessary, every single time.

[unicar15]

Wouldn't be opposed at all to hiring the next Mike Tomlin AKA Ron Meeks. The guy is going to be a good coach in this league and IMO is getting overlooked. He's a Dungy product just like Tomlin and his specialty is DBs just like Tomlin. I would take anyone from that Dungy tree and expect them to be a success. John Fox is wearing out his welcome in NC and has been living off of that first super bowl appearance for too long. I know that the Richardsons look at the Steelers keeping Cowher for a long time but you never heard about players not wanting to play for Bill Cowher. Also, it was hard to dislike Cowher with the emotion that he always showed.

I agree with pretty much everything you said about Jake being the Neil O'Donnell/Tommy Maddox of this team...he will never be the QB to get us over the hump IMO. Especially with our Defense taking a huge hit next year by losing Pep. If losing Pep doesn't say "rebuild" then IDK what does. With that D and the coaching we will not be a serious superbowl contender next year and IMO we will be lucky to make the playoffs if serious changes are not made.

[megadeth078]

Teams want to be like Superbowl teams? no wai

[Fox007]

Teams want to be like Superbowl teams? no wai

The Cowboys have just as many SB wins as the Steelers(for now), and I don't see people modeling their team after them...............

[megadeth078]

Yeah, no playoff wins in 12 years will do that.

[top dawg]

Teams want to be like Superbowl teams? no wai

The history and longevity of championship level football must have flown completely over your head. That, or either you are trying to be your usual sarcastic self.

I would love for the Panthers to win a SB any kind of way, but I would be ecstatic if the organization acquires and internalizes certain philosophies to be able to sustain winning football for decades to come.

Hard-nosed, Smash-mouth football is woven into the fabric of the Steelers, and that's why they win, and win more than their share of championships (deservedly so).

[Fox007]

Yeah, no playoff wins in 12 years will do that.

The Steelers are THE team to model oneself after in the NFL.

Simply putting "omg teams want to be like super bowl teams nos wai" doesn't really work now does it?

[davos]

I like Leslie Frazier.

Great former DB from those 85 Bears, now an awesome coach in Minny with tons of potential.

[Pumpkin Eater]

The Steroid and HGH infused Squeelers?

[Fox007]

The Steroid and HGH infused Squeelers?

Well the Panthers did have that roid line in our Superbowl, see were just following suit.

[beastson]

The steelers didnt have a hard nose running game because both backs stay injured

They moved the ball through the air on offense like most teams are doing. But the defense is absolutely amazing. But they going to have their hands full with Larry

[SKULL]

Steelers have always been about defense and not overpaying players

Several players have lefy STEELERS defenses over the years ,yet they plug in a new guy and are still ranked among the top in league .

That says alot for an organization

[top dawg]

The steelers didnt have a hard nose running game because both backs stay injured

They moved the ball through the air on offense like most teams are doing. But the defense is absolutely amazing. But they going to have their hands full with Larry

Mwelde Moore has been pretty much healthy for the entire season. Even this year, The Steelers have not abandoned the run. The last two games bear this out, as well as their drafting Mendenhall.

Even if you are correct about this year, their philosophy has not changed. It just goes to show that they are better able to adapt to necessary changes.

[SKULL]

Mwelde Moore is the 3rd string RB