The Kazmer Report

For two consecutive weeks the Pittsburgh defense has been unable to stop opposing offenses from driving down the field and scoring game-winning points. Last week’s loss to Chicago put my prediction of a strong win at Soldier Field in the gutter. I remained skeptical before Sunday’s 23-20 loss to Cincinnati.
It’s because the defense is old and tired. I argued in the Daily American Debate earlier this year that Pittsburgh should not have signed James Harrison to an extended contract worth millions of dollars. The argument can be read here, www.dailyamerican.com/articles/2009/04/14/opinion/columns/column593.txt. The reason is because much of Pittsburgh’s defensive line is like Harrison — in their 30s. It’s the time in a player’s life when their performance starts to slow. The money should have been spent on younger defenders. Take the past two weeks as an example. The defense could not pressure opposing quarterbacks and they led their teams down the field to victory. Last year’s top ranked defense would have stopped Chicago and Cincinnati. When Troy Polamalu returns from injury the play should improve. But I don’t think the defense will replicate last year’s dominance until younger players step up and relieve the aging veterans.

-Rick Kazmer
rickk@dailyamerican.com

The Kazmer Report is going on vacation for a week. A new report will be published the week of Sept. 28.
The Steelers are 1-1 when I watch them from Virginia beach. I expect that record to improve to 2-1 after Sunday. Pittsburgh will sack Chicago quarterback Jay Cutler four times. Pittsburgh wins big 28 to 10.
For anyone involved with fantasy football and selected Jake Delhomme, I feel your pain. He lost more than 140 points for me last week. I cut him and added Baltimore quarterback Joe Flacco — a tough decision — but I feel a wise one.

-Rick Kazmer
rickk@dailyamerican.com

The Pittsburgh Steelers have not a legitimate rushing game.
That truth— suggested in the pre-season — was proven during the team’s home opener against Tennessee Thursday. So the Steeler offense will likely have to depend upon the throwing arm of Ben Roethlisberger. They did it last year while winning the Super Bowl. No worries.
Another key to a successful Pittsburgh offense is Mewelde Moore. He is not an every down pounder that the Steelers have lacked since Jerome Bettis retired. He is; however, a shifty pass-catcher who suits the new throw-based offense the team now depends upon.
That offense works best when operated in the no-huddle. A fact proven by Pittsburgh’s late-game success during the opener. Titan defenders overpowered the Steeler offensive line early when Pittsburgh tried to establish a running game. When the Steeler offense spread the field with four and five receiver sets; however, the Titans only rushed four players. The offensive line was capable of stopping the onslaught. A two-minute drill type offense throughout the game would likely be most successful.
The Pittsburgh defense was stellar as usual. The Titans were held to only 10 points. Pittsburgh won with 13 points. The loss of safety Troy Polamalu for about three to six weeks with a sprained knee ligament is going to hurt. The Titans drove down the field for a touchdown during the first drive without Troy. But defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau was able to figure out a scheme during halftime to stop the Titans. He will likely be able to account for Troy with the Steelers depth chart for next week’s game against Chicago.

-Rick Kazmer
rickk@dailyamerican.com

Thursday night’s season opener against Tennessee is a big game for Pittsburgh. A win not only sets the tone for the season — it would be redemption that Steelers players and fans have waited the offseason to enjoy.
When Titan players stomped on the Terrible Towel during a late season Tennessee win last year it didn’t sit well with Steelers nation. Now is the time to shove the towel down their throats.
A win would also solidify Pittsburgh at the top of the NFL power rankings. Tennessee is a good team and an adequate foe. This is certainly a big game.

The bottom line:
If Pittsburgh should lose, the defeat could set a bad tone for the early part of the season. And Chicago in week two will not be an easy victory.
The Steelers will most likely use last years loss and towel debacle to motivate them. To win they must sack Titan QB Kerry Collins hard and often. They must stuff the run. Offensively, the line must show strength and allow at most three sacks. If Pittsburgh rushes for more than 100 yards —the win is certain.

-Rick Kazmer
rickk@dailyamerican.com

State Sen. John Wozniak recently put out a press release calling for a revival of the old football rivalry between Pitt and Penn State.
While the state has more pressing issues to be concerned about — the budget impasse — Wozniak makes some good points. Both teams play seemingly meaningless non-conference games against teams including Akron, Eastern Illinois, Youngstown State and Buffalo. The argument that Pitt is no contender for the Nittany Lions is simply not true. Pitt would give Penn State plenty of competition and provide fans in Western Pennsylvania with a notable game on the schedule. According to the press release, the schools first met in 1893. They last played in 2000. It’s time for a rematch.

-Rick Kazmer
rickk@dailyamerican.com