#224: Taunt Me Not

---SSL Broadcast #62---


"Act like you've been there before.".

The Pittsburgh Steelers, by all rights, should have been blown out of Reliant Stadium in Houston last Sunday by the Texans, but were fortunate to absorb a respectable 7-point road loss.

The problems the Steelers face are many.  The most obvious failing is an offensive line that has trouble picking up a three-man rush.  And even the best players on that line (including center Maurkice Pouncey) are banged up.

Their defensive front seven seems to be getting blown off the ball at the snap, and unable to produce an effective pass rush, or maintain gap control against the better running backs in the league.

The last thing the Steelers need is an inate ability to draw 15-yard penalties for easily avoidable flags.

Last week, star receiver Mike Wallace was penalized 15 yards for taunting the Houston sideline after a long gainer, negating most of the yardage.

I was under the impression that Wallace was paid good money to catch balls, move chains, and score points.

Another young speedster, Antonio Brown, was penalized in the preseason for a taunt, as well.

Head coach Mike Tomlin needs to get the message through that the Steelers are not going to have quite the offensive output as last year, and that having to drive extra yardage is not a recipe for success in 2011.


Also on the show:

- Penguins open with a shootout win.

- Pitt looks to avoid a letdown in Piscataway, New Jersey, against the Scarlet Knights of Rutgers..

- Pirates get a TV ratings boost from last season..

- Power signs former Arena Bowl MVP Quarterback as 2012 schedule is released.

- Mike goes 2-0 in his NFL picks for the first time this year (3-5 overall).  He also goes 3 out of 4 in Baseball series prediction.  However, his World Series matchup remains intact.









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