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Steelers-Titans: The Keyboard Guru’s Predictions
Published: September 7, 2009
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Alongside the “Five Keys to Victory” column I will be writing before Steelers games, I’m going to do another article titled “The Keyboard Guru,” where I will try and predict the flow and endgame statistics.
I feel like starting this thing off with a bang, so how do you feel about returner Stefan Logan taking the opening kickoff the whole way for six? He goes 97 yards for the game’s opening points. Jeff Reeds extra point is good. Steelers up seven to nothing.
The Steelers kickoff and stop the returner at the 27 yard line. Kerry Collins comes out with a quick play-action pass to Gage for 20 yards to the Titans 27.
Next play is a hand-off to Chris Johnson, who gets three yards. Titans continue their drive by mixing up passes and runs. They seem to have a good game plan coming out of the gates to attack the Steelers’ 3-4 defense.
The Titans’ opening series gets them down to the red zone, but then the Steelers defense stiffens up to stop LenDale White on a 3rd-and-1 at the four, forcing the Titans to kick a field goal.
But wait, Jeff Fisher calls for the fake field goal and comes away with a touchdown, taking the Steelers by complete surprise. Alge Crumpler is wide open for the easy six.
The game continues, with each team’s defense playing hard and forcing the offenses to punt regularly.
After a few successful series by each team, the Steelers are up 21-17.
The time in the fourth quarter is ticking off the clock getting closer to zeroes and is a closer game than Steelers fans and Titans fans hoped it would be.
This is where the Steelers really shine.
Except for this day.
For some boneheaded reason, Bruce Arians calls for a pass on second down and Ben is intercepted by Cortland Finnegan, who returns the ball 43 yards for a Titans defensive touchdown. It is at the two-minute warning after the proceeding kickoff.
With the score 24-21 Titans, the Steelers are forced to throw to work their way down the field. They come out on first down and complete a pass to Holmes for six yards. Second down is a quick out that Limas Sweed drops. It’s his only drop of the game.
Third down and four yards to go.
Ben audibles to a new play and throws to Mewelde Moore in the flat, who jukes a Titan for the first down.
The Steelers continue to march down the field with time ticking down. Sweed makes up for his previous drop with a big catch on a 3rd-and-10 with a 14-yard reception. The Steelers are in the red zone with 24 seconds left and a new set of downs. Steelers call their second timeout to calm everyone down and plan what they want to do over the next four plays.
Ben completes a pass to Ward at the Titans seven for another first down.
Time out Steelers.
First-and-goal.
Fifteen seconds left.
Next play is a fade to either Ward or Holmes, but it falls incomplete.
Eight seconds left.
Ben breaks the huddle with four wide and Miller motions out to the slot. Ben hikes the ball, drops back.
No one is open and the time is ticking down, he sees a lane and runs for it.
Ben Roethlisberger pushing through two Titans for the go-ahead touchdown! Steelers win with no time left!
Steelers’ statistics for the game.
Offense:
Ben Roethlisberger – 17/28 for 215 yards, 1TD, 1 INT, 1 Rushing TD
Willie Parker – 21 rushes for 102 yards, 1TD
Mewelde Moore – 1 reception for 18 yards
Hines Ward – 5 receptions for 71 yards
Santonio Holmes – 6 receptions for 83 yards, 1 TD
Limas Sweed – 2 receptions for 28 yards
Heath Miller – 3 receptions for 15 yards
Jeff Reed – Extra Points 4/4
Defense:
James Harrison – 6 tackles, 1 sack
LaMarr Woodley – 4 tackles, 2 sacks
James Farrior – 8 tackles
Troy Polamalu – 3 tackles, 1 INT
Ike Taylor – 4 tackles, 2 pass defended
Ryan Clark – “Welkers” LenDale White
Note – To find out what to “Welker” someone means, check out the hit Ryan Clark laid on Wes Welker last season in the Pittsburgh vs. New England game.
Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com
2009 Steelers Training Camp Primer
Published: July 16, 2009
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As in years past, after a successful season, one can expect there to be an insane amount of people at Steelers Training Camp in Latrobe. This year will be no different. With so many people, one could become overwhelmed.
Well fear not, I’m here to help you out with a Steelers Training Camp Primer. In this article, you will get the basics of what you should bring, where the best spots to view practice are, hotels, and even a place to let your children run wild.
Let’s start off with Hotels, since many people that come to view the camp are out-of-towners and don’t know their way around very well. Your best bet is to get a hotel in either Latrobe itself or one in Greensburg.
Depending on your budget, I would recommend the Sheraton right next to route 30 in Greensburg. If your budget is a little tight this year, I’d recommend staying at Comfort Inn closer to Latrobe that might be easier on the wallet. Either way, you can Google hotels in either town for another one, there are plenty.
If you’re flying to Pittsburgh International Airport, take Route 379 East till the Pennsylvania Turnpike. Stay on the Turnpike for about 12 miles or so, until you come to the Irwin/Greensburg exit. The toll is $.95. Continue down Route 30 East and you’ll end up in Greensburg, and then Latrobe. Use MapQuest for direct directions to your hotel.
What to bring to camp is the next logical question. I recommend bringing chairs or a blanket to sit on. Always, I repeat always bring sun screen. It can get pretty hot in Latrobe for Training Camp. Also bring refreshments. I find it best to bring some water and little snacks. You might want to bring a pair of binoculars with you and a camera to take pictures.
Don’t bring video cameras since they are forbidden. Also, I don’t think you’re allowed coolers, but I’m not certain. Beer is definitely not allowed. I know, football without beer, just doesn’t seem right.
Depending on what you’re trying to do at camp, you’ll want to show up early. The gates are opened at 1:30pm to the public. I’ll tell you now, if you want autographs, bring some running shoes. As soon as the gates open, it’s a sprint for the autograph area. You’re being forewarned.
Also, to get autographs, you will miss practice more than likely. People will sit in their spots for the whole two hour practice. Remember that players only sign after practice, so don’t be upset if your favorite player just walks past and into the locker room.
Most will sign, but some players just might not of had a good practice and don’t want to be bothered.
If you are going to watch camp, you’ll want a good spot to sit and watch. Ever since they built the new bleacher stands at St. Vincent College, practices have been mostly played out in front of them. If you get there early, grab a seat, it’s a great view.
If you prefer sitting on the grass, there are two hills on either side of the stands. These are also great places to sit and watch. Especially the side with the pine trees, they sometimes give a little shade. Just sit higher up to see over the tents on the field.
Also, if you just so happen to know one of the workers at camp, ask them if they can get you a wrist band to watch practice on the field. From someone who was lucky enough to get down there, it was awesome!
Just remember to get to camp early for a good parking spot along with good seats or a good autograph location.
For your kids, if you have them, they also provide a Steelers Experience play area. There are all kinds of things for children to play around with here. They can clock their 40 times along with take pictures of their head in a Steelers cutout, amongst other fun stuff. If I had children, they would absolutely enjoy this, if I was younger, I would have enjoyed it too.
If Training Camp isn’t all you have come to town for, there are other things to do. There is Idlewild Amusement park in Ligonier on Route 30, which is nice for the kids and also has a water park that is very nice. There is the Westmoreland Mall in Greensburg on Route 30. And there are a multitude of sports bars around. Players sometime go to Sharky’s in Latrobe. If you’re a fan of hot wings, check out Dino’s Sports Bar. Best wings I have ever eaten. I recommend the sweet and hot wings.
The best part is everything is right on Route 30, so you can’t get lost.
So for the people that plan on heading to a Steelers Camp for the first time, I hope this helps you. For those who have been there before and notice something I might have forgotten, please help out and post in the comments section.
Enjoy Steelers Training Camp 2009!
