Game Balls, Game Goats & FU's.........week 11......vs Bungles.......

[Sarge]

Overall, great game. Apparently, C C Ron has a slight break in the non throwing wrist; but Rudy filled in admirably...

Ref crew needs to be fined. Missed every false start on Cincy. Phantom OPI on DK. And why isn't instant replay a MUST HAVE when a player claims that they've been spit on??? Ramsey never should have been ejected.

Gainwell is a remarkable chess piece. I'm still not digging Johnson's on the field play; but he too, was shafted by the horrible refs on a face mask penalty THAT EVERY RB DOES EVERY GAME!!!

Brother, it was OPI. He clearly pushed off, enough that it changed the trajectory of the defender.

I can agree on the face mask. Looked more like he was trying to get his finger free rather than holding the face mask.

 

[Litos]

Brother, it was OPI. He clearly pushed off, enough that it changed the trajectory of the defender.

I can agree on the face mask. Looked more like he was trying to get his finger free rather than holding the face mask.

Fully stretching his arm pushing will always make it easy for the refs to call it . Remember some of those by Pickens too

 

[timsim00]

After 10 games I still can't put my finger on this team. Today the Defense stepped up BIG TIME and scored 2 Defensive TD's in the second half to put this game on ice. From an offensive standpoint....We saw Aaron Rogers go down to an injury at the end of the first half and Rudolph play the entire second half. I didn't think the offense looked much different with Rudy than it did with Rogers....not sure what to think about that. Steelers also lost Jaylen Warren in the 2nd half with a knee injury.....he tried to come back but left the game for good midway through the 3rd Quarter. Gainwell stepped up today in his absence scoring 2 TD's receiving and over 100 yds from scrimmage....mostly through the air. Darnell Washington is fun to watch.....he had some moments today that just made me say....WOW! The guy is an absolute UNIT and I don't care who we are playing....those DB's trying to tackle this guy must be thinking....OMFG here he comes as they try to tackle him. He punked a LB'er today into next week before he ran through a DB and into another one before being pushed out of bounds. I still wanna see more targets to Roman Wilson each and every game. He's our best WR to put out there with DK Metcalf....maybe he can help open up this offense. And yes....Arthur Smith still sucks as OC!

Defensively they stepped up today.....a couple Defensive TD's today by Kyle Duggar and James Pierre.....two guys who have really proved they belong with the starters on Defense. The only st00pid thing we saw today on Defense was Jalen Ramsey getting heated with JaMarr Chase and getting himself EJECTED for his actions. Watching this Defense I'm on pins & needles because they are not very good.....once again today we saw them give up too many 3rd & long conversions today. Not much pressure on Flacco today....only 1 sack by Herbig in the 4th Quarter. Fundamentally some sloppy (OLE/El Matador) style tackling allowed the Bungles too many first downs. Also too many players trying to punch the football out instead of tackling the ball carrier. What ever happened to Defensive players who could just square up on a guy and wrap him up and tackle the ball carrier. I miss that style of Defensive play.

Some great individual performances today on both sides of the football. The schedule doesn't get any easier as the Steelers go on the road @ Chicago.....a place where they've only beaten the Bears once in 1995 in an Overtime game winning FG by Norm Johnson. I do remember that game....Ernie Mills had a game tying TD with about a minute to go in the game to tie it and force OT.

Per Tomlin's Post Game:
Aaron Rogers - Wrist injury....it's his left wrist
Jaylen Warren - Ankle
KeShawn Williams - Concussion....he's in the protocol

Game Balls:
Darnell Washington - His best game as a Steeler....he is a MONSTER in the open field 4 rec 67 yds.....and alot of Bungle carnage left in his wake
Kenneth Gainwell - 7 rec 81 yds 9 carries 24 yds, 2 TD's
Kyle Dugger - Game changing INT today....73 yd pick six to flip the momentum of the and give the Steelers a 20-9 lead as the Bungles were deep in Steeler territory
James Pierre - 2 nice pass defenses today and a fumble recovery for a TD plus 6 tackles. Proved himself today that he belong part of this starting roster.
Keanu Benton - Had some nice pressure today throughout the game and made a nice tackle on 3rd & short. Might be his best game this season so far.

Game Goats:
Jalen Ramsey - DUMB A$$....you hurt your team today getting yourself EJECTED! Keep it together out there! This team needs you

FU's:
**** YOU JaMarr Chase ya scumbag piece of ****! Spitting on Jalen Ramsey before he went berzerk! You should be suspended going forward!
Arthur Smith - This guy has gotta go! I'm sick n tired of our Offense looking like it's 1981! He was a 5 out of 10 today!
Teryl Austin - Win or lose....he sucks too! It's just a matter of how much he SUCKS! Today he was a 4 out of 10!

Great write up, as usual, @Chicoman

Totally agree with @warriors42 , "How about a game ball for Rudy. 75% completion QB rating of 118.5 and a TD". Mason was very even par and actually distributed the ball. Even in this horrible Smith offensive scheme, Rudy was able to get the ball around.

As for Gainwell, great game against the WORST defense in the league. He is a great alternative, but can't run the ball against a quality defense, but Jaylen can, let's hope he isn't out long.

 

[black and gold apex]

Rudolph deserves a ball as well. Come out cold after half only up one. He made plays.

Big FU to Chase act like a man worst thing you could to another human. Godel needs to step up the Bungles' as well...I ain't spit on anyone lie no accountability.

 

[bigben]

Johnson was deeper in the dog house again for face mask penalty.

That was not a good look, Hope he gets more reps to show what he has. Whatever that is.

 

[MT~Forged]

FU's:
**** YOU JaMarr Chase ya scumbag piece of ****! Spitting on Jalen Ramsey before he went berzerk! You should be suspended going forward!

Chase says he didn’t do it, Ramsey said he did. I think it was more of “wet” exchange of words, kind of like the convos Cowher used to have with people

Arthur Smith - This guy has gotta go! I'm sick n tired of our Offense looking like it's 1981! He was a 5 out of 10 today!

I am not one of the fans that believes that Smith calling the O is the problem, he is doing the best that he can with what he is ALLOWED TO DO.

Teryl Austin - Win or lose....he sucks too! It's just a matter of how much he SUCKS! Today he was a 4 out of 10!

Now this is a different situation, Austin is a PROVEN, below the talent line individual. Besides we all know that Tomlin is really running the D, Austin is just the mouthpiece and a face to be blamed when needed.

 

[Confluence]

This is almost a nail in the coffin for the Bengals, who will play party poopers for contending teams when burrows gets back, probably helping our chances to finally win one playoff game...

Bwaa bwaaa (negative Nancy sound)

One more L and the Bungles might sit exotic Joe for the season.

 

[bkwheat28]

Chase says he didn’t do it, Ramsey said he did. I think it was more of “wet” exchange of words, kind of like the convos Cowher used to have with people

I thought this at first as well but then the video surfaced. No way that was just “wet exchange”. Not even Cowher had that much in heated moment. That was clear intention of spitting on him.

 

[Confluence]

Brother, it was OPI. He clearly pushed off, enough that it changed the trajectory of the defender.

Or, DK came free, and the DB fell away because his attachment was broken.

 

[insaniti]

Who do you think opened those holes for our RB’s today. They planted blocks on all those little 2 yard passes to turn them into yards. They are not as bad as you always seem to make them out to be. Rodgers lack of mobility and happy feet has not helped. They are improving,no matter what you think.

You're right...and wrong. Their good is OK, their bad is horrendous! In case you forgot, Rodgers got knocked out of the game being hit by THREE Bengals players, a Bengals team missing their starting DE's, and ranked last in the league in every category...INCLUDING sacks

 

[Steelmann]

You're right...and wrong. Their good is OK, their bad is horrendous! In case you forgot, Rodgers got knocked out of the game being hit by THREE Bengals players, a Bengals team missing their starting DE's, and ranked last in the league in every category...INCLUDING sacks

Sometimes I wonder if the fans realize the other team pays guys to go after the QB. A lot of money.
Are you thinking that other QB’s don’t get hit? Are you thinking that on every down they have to open 10 ft holes,while no one ever gets to the QB? Of course Rodgers is going to get smacked once in a while. Just like every other QB in the league. I hope in your profession you are as absolutely perfect as you expect every play and every player to be.
Personally I think Rodgers pocket presence has sucked this season. He’s made some boneheaded decisions. Just like any other QB. The OLine I thought played pretty good yesterday. They opened up big holes for both run backs and got down field for several blocks on the short dump off passes to create YAC.
Were they perfect…..no. Are they much improved from the past 2 seasons…..I think definitely.
Obviously there are many on here that don’t think that way.
Funny. I sure haven’t heard Jones name taken in vain every play like the previous 2 seasons. What’s up with that?

 

[insaniti]

Sometimes I wonder if the fans realize the other team pays guys to go after the QB. A lot of money.
Are you thinking that other QB’s don’t get hit? Are you thinking that on every down they have to open 10 ft holes,while no one ever gets to the QB? Of course Rodgers is going to get smacked once in a while. Just like every other QB in the league. I hope in your profession you are as absolutely perfect as you expect every play and every player to be.
Personally I think Rodgers pocket presence has sucked this season. He’s made some boneheaded decisions. Just like any other QB. The OLine I thought played pretty good yesterday. They opened up big holes for both run backs and got down field for several blocks on the short dump off passes to create YAC.
Were they perfect…..no. Are they much improved from the past 2 seasons…..I think definitely.
Obviously there are many on here that don’t think that way.
Funny. I sure haven’t heard Jones name taken in vain every play like the previous 2 seasons. What’s up with that?

I'm well aware the other team is paid to play and are professional athletes. I also understand trends. The OL played OK. The stats say that we had 111 yards rushing at 4.0 yards per rush...But nearly one third of all the rush yards were from Warrens 35 yard run where he made the entire defense miss at least once.

So lets take a look at some of the trends, just since Flacco has been there.

vs the Packers, they gave up 256 total yards, 153 rush yards, and had 1 sack.
vs Steelers (first matchup) they gave up 396 yards, 147 rush yards, no sacks.
vs Jets (a historically bad offensive team) 502 yards, 254 rush yards, no sacks
vs Bears 576 yards, 283 rush yards, 2 sacks

On the year, they are 32nd in total yards per game (418 ypg), 31st in passing per game (we're actually 32nd), and 32nd in rush per game (160)

They rank 3st in sacks with 14 on the year...

The OL played ok against an absolute **** defense

 

[Aussie_Steeler]

You're right...and wrong. Their good is OK, their bad is horrendous! In case you forgot, Rodgers got knocked out of the game being hit by THREE Bengals players, a Bengals team missing their starting DE's, and ranked last in the league in every category...INCLUDING sacks

Not quite - Steelers D have the honour of being last in passing yards per game.

 

[insaniti]

Not quite - Steelers D have the honour of being last in passing yards per game.

See the post above I mention that, but my point still stands

 

[Steelmann]

I'm well aware the other team is paid to play and are professional athletes. I also understand trends. The OL played OK. The stats say that we had 111 yards rushing at 4.0 yards per rush...But nearly one third of all the rush yards were from Warrens 35 yard run where he made the entire defense miss at least once.

So lets take a look at some of the trends, just since Flacco has been there.

vs the Packers, they gave up 256 total yards, 153 rush yards, and had 1 sack.
vs Steelers (first matchup) they gave up 396 yards, 147 rush yards, no sacks.
vs Jets (a historically bad offensive team) 502 yards, 254 rush yards, no sacks
vs Bears 576 yards, 283 rush yards, 2 sacks

On the year, they are 32nd in total yards per game (418 ypg), 31st in passing per game (we're actually 32nd), and 32nd in rush per game (160)

They rank 3st in sacks with 14 on the year...

The OL played ok against an absolute **** defense

Thanks for the lesson on the Bengals defense. Mann oh Mann.

You’ll have to excuse me for giving a much maligned unit the past 5 years credit for having a decent game and thinking they’re improving.

 

[steel dino]

Thanks for the lesson on the Bengals defense. Mann oh Mann.

You’ll have to excuse me for giving a much maligned unit the past 5 years credit for having a decent game and thinking they’re improving.

My observation of their defense was they have some pretty darn good players in the secondary.
That Battles and Taylor-Britt kids are keepers..

 

[Steelr4evr]

After seeing a few more clips, Darnell Washington should get two game balls.

 

[Litos]

Sit down *****!

 

[insaniti]

Thanks for the lesson on the Bengals defense. Mann oh Mann.

You’ll have to excuse me for giving a much maligned unit the past 5 years credit for having a decent game and thinking they’re improving.

WHEN they stink it up again next week, not if, you'll see it was our offense that made their defense look ok, because that has been OUR trend. Our defense started to put it together, but the offense has regressed...

 

[Steelmann]

WHEN they stink it up again next week, not if, you'll see it was our offense that made their defense look ok, because that has been OUR trend. Our defense started to put it together, but the offense has regressed...

Dude. Take a chill pill.

 

[Black & Gold Bleeder]

Who do you think opened those holes for our RB’s today. They planted blocks on all those little 2 yard passes to turn them into yards. They are not as bad as you always seem to make them out to be. Rodgers lack of mobility and happy feet has not helped. They are improving,no matter what you think.

What holes. Jaylen had one for 35 yards.. check his ohtter 9 carries
Same with gainwell. Less than 3 per rush.

https://www.google.com/search?q=steelers+bengals+box+score&oq=steelers+bengals+box+score&gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUyBggAEEUYOdIBCTYxMDRqMGoxNagCCLACAQ&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8#sie=m;/g/11yck78gmn;6;/m/059yj;mmb;fp;1;;;

but you can look at the facts for yourself.

The fact is they dont have anyone who can get open so theyre using their RB's as receivers. Whatever works! But no,, that o line isnt opening up rushing lanes.

 

[slashsteel]

What holes. Jaylen had one for 35 yards.. check his ohtter 9 carries
Same with gainwell. Less than 3 per rush.

https://www.google.com/search?q=steelers+bengals+box+score&oq=steelers+bengals+box+score&gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUyBggAEEUYOdIBCTYxMDRqMGoxNagCCLACAQ&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8#sie=m;/g/11yck78gmn;6;/m/059yj;mmb;fp;1;;;

but you can look at the facts for yourself.

The fact is they dont have anyone who can get open so theyre using their RB's as receivers. Whatever works! But no,, that o line isnt opening up rushing lanes.

Per our top two RBs average per carry: (on the season a better comparison stat)

4.0–4.4 yards per carry (YPC) is pretty solid for an NFL RB, especially for a starting back — here’s what that range means in context:

⸻

Context & Comparison
1. League Average
• The all-time average for NFL running backs is about 4.0 YPC. 
• In recent years, RB averages fluctuate — for example, in 2020 the average was 4.4 YPC. 
• In 2024, RBs averaged 4.4 YPC. 
2. What’s “Good”?
• If you’re averaging 4.0, you’re about league-average, assuming a healthy workload.
• At 4.4, you’re above average in some seasons and very efficient. That number suggests you’re not just grinding for short gains — you’re getting meaningful yardage.
3. Top RBs’ YPC
• Elite or very explosive backs often average higher. According to a metric breakdown, guys like Derrick Henry, Saquon Barkley, Jahmyr Gibbs are listed with 5+ YPC in certain contexts. 
• For career benchmarks: some of the top-active backs (with a minimum number of carries) have career YPCs in the 4.3–4.7 range. 

⸻

Bottom Line
• 4.0 YPC = dependable, solid, “just about average” for an NFL starting RB.
• 4.4 YPC = better than average, showing good efficiency and the potential to be a difference-maker, especially if paired with a decent volume of carries.

If you’re using those numbers to evaluate a particular RB (in real life or fantasy), 4.4 is quite good — not always elite, but definitely “better than average” in many seasons.

My two and a half cents:

So if there is two RBs with decent yards per carry it is reasonable to think the Oline is opening up holes at the very least are not deficient at it.

 

[Black & Gold Bleeder]

youre copy pasting chat gpt? wtf.


Anway the stats are posted right there for the game on sunday which i posted about. Especially considering the Bengals Defense is dog water. Our backs had like 3 yds per carry.
There were no holes..

Idk whyyoure coming at me with bullshit

 

[slashsteel]

youre copy pasting chat gpt? wtf.


Anway the stats are posted right there for the game on sunday which i posted about. Especially considering the Bengals Defense is dog water. Our backs had like 3 yds per carry.
There were no holes..

Idk whyyoure coming at me with bullshit

My opinion is coming at you with bullshit? My point was you were using a short span for your assessment, and mine was the whole season statistically.

Using A I to back an opinion isn’t good form? Should I be using tea leaves? Ouija board?

It is a healthy debate try to be not so serious Batman.

https://media.tenor.com/K0oudyqbOCMAAAAM/joker-why-so-serious.gif

 

[insaniti]

Dude. Take a chill pill.

you reply was dripping with facetiousness, I'm as cool as the other side of the pillow.