On The Steelers

A few thoughts about the Steelers' loss to Chicago.

• Sunday's loss at Chicago wasn't all that unexpected. It was Chicago's home opener; the Bears were under great pressure after a terrible game at Green Bay; and the Steelers played without Troy Polamalu. That said the win was there for them, if they just convert a field goal or two.
• Jeff Reed was due to miss. The guy has been automatic for much of his career and sooner or later he's not going to make the big kicks. That's just how it goes for kickers. It happens with the best of them. If Reed is one of the best in the game-and I believe he is-he'll rebound.
• The sack of Big Ben on third and eight from the Chicago 11 early in the fourth quarter was huge. It turned a short field goal in to a 38 yard. Ben was working out of the shotgun and has to get rid of the ball. Period.
• So Rasheed Mendenhall gains 39 yards on one carry and then he's shutdown? What's the deal with that? Why not go back to him? Willie Parker seems to have one foot out the door and the Steelers need to find out more about Mendenhall.
• Give the Bears' coaching staff credit for making adjustments. The Steelers dominated the first quarter and much of the first half. But Chicago made some changes and they worked. Steeler coaches are always credited for making great moves on the run; now it's time to recognize that the other guys can do that too and be successful.
• Why did the Steelers draft Frank "The Tank" Summers? He can't block; hasn't done anything on special teams; and they don't run the fullback. So tell me again why is he on the team?
• It would be nice if the pass rush showed up this season. Two sacks through two games isn't getting it done.