3 Rivers Rundown 9/16/17: The Check Engine Light Is On

By Jaison Roberts, @Kratoslives

It's just one game into the season and the check engine light is on already? You've got to be kidding me.

Alright lets break it down...

We beat Cleveland on Sunday ✓.
Ben made it through the game with no injuries ✓.

Antonio Brown and the receivers made it through the game with no injuries and the tight ends are cool too. The O-line is healthy and they only gave up one sack

Now to check on the running back and oooh, there it is! That's what's setting off the check engine light. Now that we found the issue lets see what's going on with him.

Did he get hurt, nope. Did he fumble or miss a block. nope. He needs a tune up? And that's why you don't miss training camp. For all of Le'Veon Bell's greatness, there is one thing that he couldn't do while sitting out... taking a hit.

Since Le'Veon chose to sit out due to his contract, he gave up one thing that he couldn't get when sitting out, taking hits. Something that seems so small plagued him the whole game. He couldn't gage the hit speed of the defense. Yes he did get through the game with no injuries or fumbles, but he was completely off rhythm. That's why you don't sit out practice, even if he didn't play any preseason games, he would've had his game rhythm. This caused the NFL's most complete back to rush for only 35 yards on 10 carries and no this isn't a typing error. You could see that he was visibly off and had no rhythm for the game. So now he has the daunting task of getting his flow back while preparing to take on the Minnesota Vikings defense. I hate to say it, but thank goodness we played the Browns who were playing in a new defensive scheme or we would've had major trouble.

Now onto the defense. The played great for this unit especially since they committed some bone head penalties. Not to mention actively trying to keep the Browns in the game with freebie unnecessary roughing penalties. That means you Ryan Shazier, TJ Watt, JJ Wilcox, and an honorable mention Big Ben (even though he didn't get flagged). These penalties can't and shouldn't happen against the Vikings because if they do, they will put points on the board. Some of the highlights of the game belonged to the special teams and a rookie linebacker and 3rd year linebackers.

Lets start with Tyler Matakevich he set the tone by blocking the 1st punt attempt of the game, which led to Anthony Chickillo recovering the ball in the end zone for the game's 1st touchdown.

The front seven for the Steelers remained disruptive all game, recording 7 sacks which should've been 10 but 3 were taken away by penalties. Our front 3 recorded 2 of the 7 sacks thanks to Javone Hargrave and Cameron Heyward. The secondary also chipped in one sack by Joe Haden.

The stars on defense were Anthony Chickillo (2 sacks) & T.J. Watt (2 sacks and a interception). This was delivered with Stephon Tuitt on the sidelines with a bicep injury and Bud Dupree out with a shoulder injury. Not only did they respond to head coach Mike Tomlin's mantra "The Next Man Up", they delivered with big splash plays. Again major props to the special teams which kept the Browns at bay the whole game with great pressure on punts. Also great job by Antonio Brown for 11 catches and 184 yards, as well as Jesse James on the 2 red zone touchdowns.

This game still left me feeling cheated because of the Steelers past dominance of the Browns, but it should also be a warning for complacency. So now it's off to the Vikings, who is bringing in a tougher defense but a new O-line with 2 rookies starting and a first year player. And believe me they wont be laying down because they're playing the Steelers. They'll be more in the mood for a upset and to go 2-0 in the NFC North.

So Le'Veon, I hope you got some extra reps in practice this week and let's get this victory. My prediction for the game is 28-17 Steelers with another big helping of defense.

3 Rivers Rundown 9/8/17: Steelers In Mirror Are Closer Than They Appear

By Jaison Roberts, @Kratoslives


The object in the Steelers mirror is the 7th Lombardi trophy.

This 2017 Steelers team is on the cusp of making history or being tracked down. This may sound confusing but the Steelers have two options; win it all and be alone in the NFL history books, or move over and make room for the New England Patriots who can win their 6th trophy. Me as a Steelers fan, would prefer the 1st option and they can do it. We have a team right now that is the perfect blend of old and seasoned, with their leaders and captains.

The team is now built for multiple Super Bowl runs with the past 3 years of drafting. The team average age is 28 years old minus 8 players in their 30's. Their nucleus is all under 29 years old and they are in good position with the salary cap, with relief coming. All while being able to win and repeat as champions just as long Kevin Colbert & Mike Tomlin play their cards right. Let's look into the current state of the team starting with our QB's.

We all know the Steelers are being led by a hall of fame QB in Ben Roethlisberger. Quietly, he is back in the position as he was as a rookie. This team no longer needs Big Ben to win it all but just lead them like he did in his first 2 years. After Ben, the QB room lacks the talent to strike fear in opposing defenses. Landry Jones is a journeyman who has it from the neck up, just not physically. Josh Dobbs has both the smarts and physicality, but lacks the experience.

The running backs are led by Le'Veon Bell. The only thing he can't do so far is stay on the field for all 16 games of a season. If he can stay healthy or avoid suspension, he's a threat to all past NFL rushing records. When you look at this man, the only thing that comes to mind is, "Did Barry Sanders and Marshall Faulk combine their DNA?" After him, here comes James Conner & Terrell Watson the Steelers prototypical RB. They're big, they're fast, but the knock on them is they're green so expect some mistakes when Bell finally needs a rest.

The receivers are a pure nightmare with the talent sitting in that room, led by Antonio Brown. When you have a number one receiver in Martavius Bryant as your number two, you know your unit is a problem for the opposition. This is followed up with Darrius Heyward-Bey, Justin Hunter, Eli Rogers and Ju Ju Smith-Schuster. I guess this isn't fair but I'm not complaining. It's my team we're talking about.

The tight ends leave a semi-sweet taste in your mouth. Not just mine but the staff, which led to the team trading for Vance McDonald from the San Francisco 49ers. Jesse James and Xavier Grimble both who know the playbook, but haven't seized the #1 spot. So this may be the only weakness on the offense, but the receivers make up for it.

As far as the O-Line is concerned, there are two things; they are healthy for once and Mike Munchak. Thank you again Tennessee Titans for firing him. After Mike's arrival, the O-Line had lived up to the billing. The wild part is now injures don't phase them because of the coaching.

The defensive line is just nasty with the return of Cameron Heyward and the play of Stephon Tuitt and Javon Hargrave. This will be the best front three since Brett Keisel, Casey Hampton and Aaron Smith, who used to wreck havoc on offensive lines, which these three can do.

Now for the freaks of the defense, the linebackers are going to feast this year. With the front three so disruptive, you now have Ryan Shazier, Vince Williams, Bud Dupree and T.J. Watt hunting in your back field. All while having James Harrison resting and preparing for a strong Super Bowl run. All of this can happen while having the young guns being lead by Arthur Moats. This unit has the chance to have three people with double digit sacks.

Now here comes the black sheep of the family: the secondary.

Arty Burns & Sean Davis both had solid rookie seasons and both got better in the 2nd half, including the playoffs. However, that still didn't stop the Steelers from seeking and getting help in the form of Coty Sensabaugh, J.J. Wilcox and the big prize, Joe Haden. This unit should all thrive with the front seven pressuring the QB. Mike Mitchell should be free to help on blitzes and run support as well.

The special teams should be solid again especially if Todd Haley's offense is scoring tons of points. This team should be able to go 13-3, but I'm going with my gut with a 1 game improvement. So, I'm giving the 2017 Steelers 12-4 record with a Super Bowl win.

#HereWeGo

3 Rivers Rundown 10.21.16: Steelers Mid-Season Report & Big Ben's Vacation

By Jaison Roberts, @Kratoslives


Most sports blogs have already given their mid-season reports, but this is the Steelers. Our mid-season just started, since Big Ben got hurt. How is this mid-season, you might be asking? Well, he is on schedule to miss his yearly 4 games.

At this time, the Steelers are 4-2. This is with two devastating losses, with the worst being the loss to Miami. That loss was the start of Big Ben's yearly vacation and his nagging injuries. His knee injury from the previous year flared up and needed another surgery. This wouldn't be as bad if it wasn't for the defense already being a walking M.A.S.H unit. Cam Heyward, Ryan Shazier and Bud Dupree are on the shelf. Not bad considering we are 4-2, but here comes the Patriots.

With our defense in complete shambles, this is the wrong team coming to town. They're going to kill us since we can't generate a pass rush. Tom Brady is going to go nuts and our secondary is his target. Our rotation of Tuitt, Hargrave and Heyward can't get pressure on the QB. Daniel McCullers & Ricardo Matthews are major disappointments. They have the size, just not the functional skills.

They were manhandled by a weak Miami offensive line that just ran right at them and through them. Not only was it sad but telling of things to come. Which leads to our own offensive line, which is hurt and influx with too many injuries. This is causing major problems with pass protection. That was clear when we played the Eagles and their "Wide Nine" defense. This defense worked so well causing break downs, the Dolphins duplicated it and got the same results the win. The great news our bye week is here.

When we come off our bye week, we get the Ravens and Cowboys. Even if the Steelers lose, we'll still be in second place. Hard to imagine that, but the Bengals have come back down to Earth. A Cowboys loss is out of the division, so not as bad as losing in the division. That will lead to the return of Big Ben and the return of offensive stability. Our defense will be up and running after the bye week so I'm hoping we'll have a chance of stealing a win or two.

Now back to our mid-season report, the Steelers are ahead of schedule which is amazing. We have found a new offense which seems to be 2 to 3 deep in skill positions, other than QB. The TE position is actually the most surprising with Xavier Gimble and Jesse James trying to phase out TE Ladarius Green.

The only weak spot remains our offensive line, due to injuries, not due to poor play. This is a great problem to have since in our recent past, it was just poor playing. Our defensive line is now in the same boat as our past offensive line with poor play, but it's due to injury. But most importantly it's also due to bad drafting & free agent signings (McCullers & Matthews).

Now here comes the real issue with our defense, our linebackers are still rebuilding. Yes, we have Shazier, Dupree and Timmons. Sounds good for a core until you realize Jarvis Jones is still under performing and Shazier & Dupree are hurt. Father time has finally caught up to James Harrison and the newbies at LB are still learning.

Speaking of our newbies at linebacker, they're a least a season away from making that position formidable again. Its great but still sucks since we are in the middle of this season. Now as for the Steelers defensive backs, other than Mike Mitchell, it's crickets and I do mean crickets. They make so much noise during practice and pregame warm ups but during the games, NOTHING. Other than improving on tackling they, all need hand transplants. Our special teams have held their own but no Splash Plays have come from them to this point.

The coaching has gotten better on the offensive side and the defensive side, excluding Carnell Lake. He continues to be the coaching staff albatross, so let me say, Carnell it's time for you to go. I can't believe I said it, but really Carnell Lake it's time for you to go. You were a great player for us but you are not a good coach. I feel you have a wealth of knowledge, but you may not be a teacher which is a problem if you can't convey the message.

So as we prepare for the second half, the team has a clear cut path to the playoffs. We just need to go .500 until Big Ben's return. Which means the offense should revolve around Le'Veon Bell and DeAngelo Williams. Stick to this plan that will give quarterback Landry Jones a chance to use play-action passes to move the ball deep. The whole league knows we are deadly when going deep.

Mike Tomlin, Head Coach: grade B+, would've gotten an A but Carnell Lake is on your staff
Todd Haley, Offensive Coordinator: A, you're proving why you'll get another head coaching job
Mike Munchek, Offensive Line: B, only due to the injuries
Richard Mann, Wide Receiver Coach: A+, your a God among men when it comes to picking talent
James Saxon, Running Back Coach: A, two words Bell & Williams
Keith Butler, Defensive Coordinator: C+, injuries are keeping your grade down
Mike Mitchell, Defensive Line: C+, Injuries and bad picks are hurting you
Joey Porter & Jerry Olsavsky, Linebackers Coach: B, injuries and Jarvis Jones
Carnell Lake, Defensive Backs Coach: C, Only reason why your grade is this high is Mike Mitchell
Danny Smith, Special Teams: C, Haven't lost or won a game, so I won't go higher

Overall Team Grade: B-, Again injuries and Carnell Lake are the main reasons why the grade is so low. You must prove it after the Pats & bye week or 3/4 season grade may be lower.

3 Rivers Rundown 9.21.16: The Gloves Are Off & The Steelers Want A Fight

By Jaison Roberts, @Kratoslives

The gloves are off and the Pittsburgh Steelers are looking to fight.

That statement would be so cliche if it wasn't the truth. The Steelers have managed to get back to gritty, grimy, hard nosed "Steelers Football". They're picking fights with the other teams offense and winning. They have played two division winners in Cincinnati & Redskins, limiting both teams to just a single passing touchdown. Yes, let that sink in. The Pittsburgh Steelers secondary that I have heavily criticized in the past, has only given up two passing touchdowns through 2 games. The same secondary that was chasing WR's all over the field last year, is picking fights and WINNING!

Oft-criticized Steelers defensive backs coach Carnell Lake has gotten his secondary under control and they are shutting down the opposing teams' top wideouts. Washington's Desean Jackson and Cincinnati's AJ Green posed threats, but the challenge was met. This young Steelers secondary is drinking the Kool-Aid and are receiving some good results. They are playing great in 1-on-1 coverage, which is so difficult in the NFL. The rule changes are set against DB's, yet they are thriving.

Now comes the Steelers hardest test, the Philadelphia Eagles, a team that is weak. These teams all have a great history of beating the Steelers just when they are rolling through the competition. The underdog always seems to end up kicking our teeth in with no problems.

So, here comes the Eagles with a rookie QB and a rookie head coach. Uh oh.

Those 2 equations has taken us down before (Hue Jackson & Terrell Pryor when they were both on the Oakland Raiders). So what is Coach Tomlin going to do to change that?

The front 7 has shut down the 1st running game for two weeks, with just 3 and 4 man fronts. The only thing we lack are sacks, which comes in bunches. So we need to start collecting them and hopefully that it will complete the circle. The more pressure on the QB the more interceptions they give up. Then with the QB worrying about INTs, the more sacks they take holding on to the ball to long. So let's see what we have on Sunday at 4:30 pm in Philadelphia. The crowd will let you know if you're ready by booing the home team and being silent for you on offense.

So as far as I'm concerned, I'm holding back my full blinders-on, no common sense support until after this game.

Will I say we won't win the Super Bowl this year? Hell Naw!
Will I not tease and harass my friends? Hell Naw!
Will I ever give Pittsburgh Northwest back it's original birth name? HELL NO!

But if we win soundly against the Eagles Sunday, will I become unbearable? HELL YEAH!

Bring on the Eagles and bring on our 7th Lombardi Trophy.

3 Rivers Rundown 9.17.16: Now The Steelers Season Begins

By Jaison Roberts, @Kratoslives

Finally! The preseason is.....over. #RockVoice

That includes you Washington Redskins in week one, (38-16).

Now here comes our real season opener, the Cincinnati Bengals. In this fight we have an old dog with tons of new tricks in Antonio Brown, Jesse James, Eli Rogers and Sammie Coates. While we also bring out old vicious dogs in Ben Roethlisberger and DeAngelo Williams, with an o-line rebuilt for war. In the other corner, here comes Andy Dalton, AJ Green and Pittsburgh native returning home, Tyler Boyd of the Cincinnati Bengals. With a Bengals defense hell bent on killing anything not wearing stripped orange and a chip on their shoulder that can crush a stadium and it's fans. This is also a team willing to do anything for a playoff win.

Ahhh keep your mouths closed and pull your pants up. I know you're excited. I am too. But this is only week 2 of the NFL season. And it only gets better for the fans and the NFL for these two franchises. Cincinnati has tasted the AFC North crown twice but something goes wrong in the playoffs for them, PITTSBURGH! This damn team just won't die far as Cincinnati is concerned. As far as Pittsburgh is concerned, they want this division and league to look at them as immortal.

Pittsburgh just keeps retooling and getting younger except for Big Ben & DeAngelo Williams. So how do you conquer that? Knock their blocks off like Vontez Burfict tried to in last year's playoff lose to Pittsburgh. Which brings us to 9/18/16 this war has just begun and both teams would like to end it before the second game. So let's bring on the fighters Champion Cincinnati Bengals the current kings of the North. Look at this young warrior full of strength and vitality. Here in the other corner is a wily old veteran team with young cubs being taught by fire.

There's a long history of success when it comes to Marvin Lewis and Mike Tomlin. For Lewis, he's won a Super Bowl as an assistant with the Baltimore Ravens. And then you have two-time Super Bowl winning coach in Tomlin. The staff for both teams have great coaches from head to toe, but one thing separates both. Tradition and legacy, and Pittsburgh has both in spades. While the Bengals are trying to build theirs by conquering an old foe.

So as we prepare to see the newest "most popular" NFL rivalry on Sunday, remember this; they do have to see each other one more time and one or the other will want revenge. So prepare for blood, prepare for fights. Most importantly prepare to be entertained as these two NFL juggernauts try to crush each other.

Then take a breather while they fatten up on other NFL teams and victories. Before trying to crush each other again when they meet in Cincinnati on December 18. Since we all know who I'm cheering for, let me leave you with this. I'm turning 46 this year and all I want is to have my Black and Gold receive their 7th Lombardi Trophy.

So go get your beer, pop and food and enjoy yourself and remember #HereWeGo

3 Rivers Rundown: 7 Is The Gateway To NFL Immortality

By Jaison Roberts, @Kratoslives


As the Pittsburgh Steelers set out to start the NFL 2016 season, something should be on the minds of fans and the NFL.

If the Steelers win their seventh Lombardi Trophy, they will be widely viewed as the New York Yankees of the NFL. They will represent everything the NFL wants it's fans to believe in. That any team, no matter what city, big or small, your team is in it every year.

With a group of wide receivers that can do anything on the field, this team's aerial attack may become historic, especially with Antonio Brown leading the charge. He alone with Big Ben staying healthy may be the NFL's first 2000 yard receiver. He has proven that he can't be covered all the time, whether its in single or double coverage. Also with second year receiver Sammie Coates and Darius Heyward-Bey stretching the field, Brown and Markus Wheaton will be open for quick hitters. Even with the retirement of Heath Miller, this offense may be just to much for the league to handle.

The run game isn't going to be any type of cupcake either. With Le'Veon Bell and DeAngelo Williams, they are going to force defensive coordinators into cold sweats. In my opinion, you are looking at the best overall back in the league when on the field in Bell. The only thing that seems to stop him are horse collar tackles and drug suspensions. Bell might miss the first four games this season, but could win his appeal on August 18, and be ready to go in Week 1. This could be scary for other teams but with Williams' rebirth at the age of 33, there should be no offensive worries.

Future Hall of Fame Ben Roethlisberger is showing no signs of letting up either. Even though he can't run like he used to, his mind has sped up and he now carves up your defense from the neck up. So other than bringing his new tight ends up to speed, Jesse James and Ladrius Green, he will be driving a Bugatti-type custom-made offense, just for him.

Now to the defensive side of the ball, which was last year's albatross, mainly the secondary. It will be extremely difficult to handle with a very disruptive front seven led by defensive ends Cam Heyward and Stephon Tuitt. Tuitt has become just as violent at the point of attack as Cam and they both get after your quarterback with a vengeance. The linebacker crew is on the way up, once again led by "Deebo" aka James Harrison and Lawrence Timmons. They had the third most sacks in the league last year, even though no one had more than 7 sacks.

The secondary is rebuilt with young talent, other than seven-year veteran free safety Mike Mitchell. This unit will be tested early and often this year. Which also could be a make or break year for defensive backs coach Carnell Lake. If this unit can't produce take aways, I feel that Coach Lake is gone.

So with the first preseason game coming this Friday (versus the Detroit Lions), answers should start to be given to fans as the ride to immortality and title number seven.

3 Rivers Rundown 11.6.15: All Hands On Deck #Steelers

By @Kratoslives

Ok Steelers Nation, we are in a State of Emergency and the main culprit is.... injuries.

We are under attack with no end in sight. So, the next man up is in play. We've lost our Pro Bowl center Maurkice Pouncey, our star running back Le'Veon Bell and free safety Mike Mitchell to a concussion. I haven't even mentioned defensive end Stephon Tuitt and defensive tackle Daniel McCullers.

These injuries are destroying our team and it's chemistry. We've now come to the point of no return with this situation on this season. Is it time for cuts and street signings? Is it time to shut it down and move on to next year? Me, as a fan I hope it's neither, but I'm praying this pressure produces diamonds.

We have guys on this team who can talk to the media about playing time, like corner Brandon Boykin. But they seem to forget how to play when put on the field, like safety Shamarko Thomas. These players and coaches now have to step up and prove they are contenders. Don't just tell anyone who'll listen what your going to do, but when the rubber hits the road, we get nothing. And I do mean nothing, I'm looking at you this time Cortez Allen.

Where is the pride in what you're doing?

I'm getting sick of coach Mike Tomlin having to explain this crap to the media. These next nine games coming are do or die for our franchise. With the strength of schedule, and with 4 losses already we have to go 8-1 to make the playoffs. Yeah I said it, playoffs!

We do have the skill set on offense to compete. However, our defense, mainly the secondary, are out to lunch.

Looking at what's coming down the pipe is pure fire, which we'll have to put out. This all starts with the Raiders and the Browns. Yes, I said the Browns. These teams must be taken as if they are the Patriots. Starting on Sunday with the Raiders, we must beat them down. When I write beat them down, I do mean BEAT THEM DOWN!

No finesse, no tricks, no thrills. Just pure, violent beat down. We got our QB back and it's time just to go full throttle, with no regards of running it up on the opponent. After that, we must destroy the Browns from the opening drive and the first defensive stance. Don't give them the chance to even take a deep breath with out being hit in the mouth. Even the water boys should feel trepidation running out on the field to give them water. Just make it a slugfest and keeping punching until the clock reads 00:00. This may sound like I'm trying to go to unnecessary extremes, but it really has to be this way.

Look at our conference. We have 3 of the 4 undefeated teams in it. Bengals, Broncos, and the Patriots and we all know how Bill Belichick gets down. Also, if you think Denver head coach Greg Kubiak is going to go soft on us, think again. All of the teams in front of us would happily cut out our throats and smile about it. So, it's time to do the same to anyone not wearing the same uniform as us. So don't worry about making friends, that's for after the Super Bowl. Don't worry about who you may piss off and more importantly, don't worry about Roger Goodell. Go out there and punish the league and let the chips fall where they may. You're not going to make anyone happy other than your fans, so why try anything else? Please Keith Butler, Todd Haley and Mike Tomlin, go and start a fight with the rest of the league.

We all know there are three guys on defense down for it, with James Harrison, Cameron Heyward, Lawerence Timmons. I know for a fact that Antonio Brown, Heath Miller, and Big Ben will join in the fight on the offensive side. This should be the only thing on their minds from here on out.

Playoffs, playoff victories and our 7th Lombardi Trophy.

Any other thoughts are unacceptable.  

3 Rivers Rundown 10.23.15: New Steelers For A New Generation #Steelers

By @Kratoslives

How can a injury galvanize a whole team? We suck in the secondary. Our linebackers are unproven and young. More important than that, we lost our franchise quarterback to a knee injury.

Well, say hello to the NFL's version of last season's Cleveland Cavaliers. Injuries are wrecking the Steelers' starting lineup. But just like the Cavs, the Steelers needed to make a move.

Now, we have to get current Steelers' quarterback Michael Vick up to speed. Also, Pittsburgh needs to give LeVeon Bell the ball & continue to give Martavis Bryant opportunities in the passing game.

Guess our season is over.... WRONG!!

It was just the spark we needed! The defense has started to gel. Especially in the secondary, which was giving fans and coaches alike, nightmares and bad dreams.

The front seven already have 17 sacks compare to last year's total of 33. Cam Heyward has turned into a force that offensive coordinators hate, while defensive end Stephon Tuitt leads the team with 3.5 sacks. This "hybrid 3/4 Tampa 2" defense has bad intentions that is making Steelers Nation proud. All of the main starting linebackers have sacks.

The offense has scored just enough to win, except for the Cardinals game (which was a team effort). With the most unlikely savior on offense, Landry Jones, coming in to ice the game. I believe that Big Ben will make his return either against the Chiefs or Bengals. It seems as if the football Gods are lining us up for another Super Bowl run. This time though, it seems to be the run that will make this team a more deadly force to deal with. We have a late bye week, with a chance for a first round playoff bye week, due to many AFC teams that are coming back to Earth.

With a good push and hopefully better luck on the injury front, the Steelers will make a deep run in the playoffs.

We must start with a beat down of the depleted Kansas City Chiefs, that will be without star running back Jamaal Charles, and an offensive line in worse shape than Pittsburgh's.

I'm looking for a 5-6 sack performance from the Steelers' front 7, with a couple of interceptions thrown in for good measure. This should be backed by 130 yards rushing by the aforementioned Bell. Receivers Antonio Brown and Martavis Bryant should both have 130 yard receiving outings apiece. I'm expecting this, no matter if its Landry Jones or Big Ben Roethlisberger taking snaps under center.

So on Sunday, we begin the reboot of our season and we have 12 games to set the tone. No excuses. No "well, this happened". Nothing is acceptable other than a appearance in the AFC championship game.

So buckle up, take a deep breath and deliver on what Mike Tomlin has on the wall plaque;

"The Standard Is The Standard"

3 Rivers Rundown 9.25.15: Pittsburgh, We Have Life! #Steelers

By @Kratoslives

Ok Carnell Lake, your crew has been given life by being hit with a defibrillator. Now what do you got for us Steelers faithfuls? They responded better this time around until the fourth quarter. Then they got beside themselves and started making "excitement mistakes", which turned them sloppy. Tell them to slow their roll and focus on concentration.

Now comes a even harder test. Can they get an interception and contain a weaker wide receiver and tight end unit? The Rams offense isn't as strong as the Patriots or 49ers, so will they play down to the competition? Or will they shut them down and make the Rams one dimensional? In theory, it sounds easy. But the Steelers as a whole will play down to a lesser opponent. Just look how they always seem to lose to the Raiders.

Just odd and weird.

We will be facing a team with a QB who just put on a shaky performance. So it is up to the defense, mainly the secondary, to keep doubt in Rams QB Nick Foles' mind. The best way to make him second guess himself is to try to confuse him with different looks and formations while trying to force an interception. This will make him hold on to the ball longer on pass plays, making him over think his decisions and reads. Which in turn will give our front seven more time to get to him in the pocket. Also, it will make him press and we all know what happens after that. Correct, turnovers! These are the things that lead to victories and championships.

This game will be the final chapter of bad press or the beginning of "Make it stop" quotes and heckling. The best part of it all, is LeVeon Bell will be back and that the Rams gives up yards on the ground. So the defense should get some good rest in between offensive and defensive positions. However remember this is a Jeff Fischer team so your going to impose your will on them. If you do this and play to "The Standard Is The Standard" we should come out victorious.

3 Rivers Rundown 9.15.15: The Steelers Secondary #Steelers

By @Kratoslives

Excuse me folks, I'm still spitting up.

I know it sounds nasty, but after Thursday night's defensive garbage that was the Pittsburgh Steelers, it's the only way to get this taste out of my mouth.

I've tried mouth wash and toothpaste, but it didn't work. If I'm sick with this taste in my mouth, I wonder what Carnell Lake's mouth tastes like. Who's Carnell Lake you ask? That's our secondary coach who's players forgot they played Thursday night in the NFL opener against the New England Patriots. For all of the things that went wrong, they stand out the most.

Carnell! Carnell! Carnell! Oh forget it then. Hey everybody I'm playing Where's Carnell & The Secondary. What you never heard of this game? It's easy just prepare to play the Patriots, then let Rob Gronkowski run free.

What do you mean that isn't funny? Now try being a Steelers Fan and watching that. Hold on again, Carnell! Carnell! Man, still no response. Let's get back to the game.

Quick question for the secondary? Who's Rob Gronkowski? Anyone? Hello anyone!? He's the 6'6" white guy who's their number 1 weapon!

What? Really? He's their number one weapon? So why in HELL is he uncovered lining up as the number 2 wide receiver? This is unacceptable by any standard including the one posted, "The Standard Is The Standard".

Don't worry there's more.

Who's idea was it to let him run a skinny post from the TE position uncovered again? Now he's scored twice, but the wild part is that the third one I could live with. You want to know why? He was covered and made a great play to score. I'm pissed. Excuse me again I have to gargle and spit again. Uhhhh this stuff is nasty, man. Scope isn't helping.

Further more, Gronkowski lined up as a wide receiver, then nobody moved towards him until he was running up the sideline. After that he lined up as a tight end, his true position, and he runs an uncontested seam route for a touchdown.

I'm sorry, just typing that has upset me. CARNELL! CARNELL! What happened to the "Standard Is The Standard"? I'm not sure what you think they seen, but what I and America seen was horrible. So I've come up with a way to help show them this secondary playing together.

Here are some players: Rod Woodson, Darren Perry, Carnell Lake and Deon Figures. These guys played together in 1994. You know and I know they wouldn't have done something that bone headed as to leave the best weapon uncovered. Did you see the starting strong safety's name from 1994? Thats right, none other than Carnell Lake. Yes, the Steelers starting free safety was Carnell Lake.

The same coach who's secondary just gave up two uncontested touchdowns.

CARNELLLLLL!

Ahh, screw it. I'm not going to get a response, so please Carnell Lake if you're not going to respond to me, do me a favor? Just don't let that crap happen again. Oh and if you think I'm not pissed at you Josh Scobee, don't get it twisted. I thought they should've left you in Foxborough.

Time to grab a beer and some mouth wash so I can get this taste out of my mouth.

3 Rivers Rundown 9.10.15: The Quest For 7 #Steelers

By @Kratoslives

Ok Steelers fans, it's time to start our quest for Lombardi Trophy number 7.

This journey starts with dealing with the strongest schedule in the league. This season will make us a strong favorite, with a dash of uncertainty. We're coming in to the season topsy-turvy, by Steelers standards, as we have a strong offense with a suspect defense. We're doing this without long-time defensive coordinator Dick Lebeau which has some faithful fans ready to jump off the Cathedral of Learning.

Guess what Steelers Nation? BRING IT ON!!!!!!

The last time we had the strongest schedule, we won Super Bowl XLIII over the Arizona Cardinals to capture our franchises’ sixth Lombardi Trophy.

The new guard taking the lead of the Steel Curtain is long time Steelers linebacker coach Keith Butler. “Keith who?”, you may be asking. Let me give you a quick resume of Mr. Butler. Porter, Bell, Harrison, Gildon, Farrior. All of these men had the Steelers Nation drooling. If you know these last names, meet their teacher, Mr. Butler. The man who worked with and developed them. To add to his credit, he has two of his star pupils on his coaching staff, Jerry Olavsky and Joey Porter. This franchise went thru this with roles reversed during Big Ben's second year, Super Bowl XL over the Seattle Seahawks.

Now with that out the way, I'm calling on John Mitchell, the Steelers defensive line coach. Let Cam Heyward loose, please!

He is our key to future Lombardi trophies plus our leader on the defense. No disrespect to James Harrison, but the changing of the guard is ready to happen.

From this point on, our defense must go old school 3-4 zone blitz violent. Forget trickery, forget finesse and guile. Pick up the biggest stick you can find and hit your opponent. In other words, make your mark with pure violent hitting, until everyone on defense is ready to use guile.

The perfect opportunity to show this is, with the season opener against the Super Bowl XLIX Champion New England Patriots.

No playing around with them. Just keep punching them in the mouth until they quit. By doing this you, will punk all 31 other offenses in the league and give our secondary time to gel. Especially since our secondary has just been put together during this offseason. This new philosophy would serve us well since we are going to be without 3 key offensive players. LeVeon Bell will miss two games, Martavis Bryant four games and Maurkice Pouncey won't be back until after the Week 11 bye-week.

Which brings us back to the top of my article. Offense, it's time to hold it down. Remember the defense held you down for many years including two of three Super Bowl rings with Ben as your QB. Now it's time for Ben to return the favor with this high powered offense. If all parts pay it's dues, I see the seventh Lombardi coming home to the Three Rivers.

3 Rivers Rundown 8.26.15: Calm Down Steelers Nation #Steelers

By @Kratoslives

You know what fellow Steelers fans, stop it, really just stop it. Yes it sucks Maurkice Pouncey is out and Bruce Gradkowski’s hand is busted. Don't forget LeVeon Bell will miss the first two games.

So let's all head to the tallest buildings in our towns and jump to our collective deaths. Ok, now it's time to count our blessings on all the early injuries. First of all, you want it to happen now, not mid-season. It gives your team time to adjust. Don't believe me? Let's go back to last year and pick a first place team. It derailed the Cleveland Browns. Bye, bye playoffs and Alex Mack.

Oh now your starting to realize how the Steelers can recover from this minor set back?

Yes, that is not a typing error. A minor set back, because Pouncey will be back after the bye week. Besides, we are are getting a center back who knows the squad. Doug Legursky played and started a Super Bowl for us.

"But, but we're still scared!”

Then let me put it to rest for you. The Steelers have never won a Super Bowl after suffering major injuries during the season. I can only think of one team that has, but that player didn't play, Drew Bledsoe. The Patriots won their first Super Bowl with Bledsoe on the sidelines which was Tom Brady's first.

Now think about it. Your team learns to play with out the pressure of a win or loss on the line. Teams will be cutting players for numerous reasons which you may be able to get a steal. However, the most important part is the season still hasn't started. So if you listen and believe in Mike Tomlin, "The Standard Is The Standard". There is a chance for someone to become a starter elsewhere when Pouncey returns.

So all hands on deck! Cody Wallace, Doug Legursky, Chris Hubbard time to earn a decent contract in 2016. Even if it won't be with the Steelers, your family will thank you. The Steelers Nation will thank you. But more importantly than that, your financial future will be more secure.

Now to what really matters, buying time for Bruce Gradkowski to get healthy. We will need him more than Pouncey because of Big Ben. Roethlisberger has only played 16 games 3 times so far in his career going into his 12th season. I hear your hearts pounding, but let's all knock on wood.

After seeing all these injuries that hit us, this one is the one we can't afford to happen. Keep your fingers crossed and hope Ben continues to check down to avoid hits.



Now, that the Steelers have signed Michael Vick to a 1-year deal, let's move into this season the way we should.

With all eyes focused on Super Bowl 50.

3 Rivers Rundown 6.25.15: Finish With A Knockout! #FloydMayweather

By @Kratoslives

Floyd Mayweather AKA Money May, do me a favor…… finish a fight with a knock out!

Yes, Floyd finish with a knock out! You can't finish your career by fighting Andre Berto or Karim Mayfield, you know that's not what you want to do. So please, quit. I know you don't want to fight Amir Kahn, his chin is more fragile than your hands. So who are you really trying to fight September 12th? Gennady Gennadyevich Golovkin (GGG), Shawn Porter or Timothy Bradley? Just don't give me Berto, he is way too small and even though Mayfield is solid, he has no name recognition.

So if you are open to fan suggestions, I personally would love to see you and GGG. He is everything you like in a opponent.

Now excuse me while I use Golden State Warriors’ forward Draymond Green’s drunk interview to prove my point:

Is he slow a foot compared to you?
DG: YEAH!
Is he weak on defense?
DG: YEAH!
Is his boxing skills extremely weak compared to yours?
DG: YEAH!
Has he fought opponents as good as the ones on your resume?
DG: UH NO!
Will he ever be considered one of the greatest of all time?
DG: UH NO!

Thanks for your help, Draymond. Now go sober up.

Now that we got that out of the way, GGG only has one thing over you, knock out power in both hands. Which equates to nothing considering we both know he'll never land a solid punch on you. He will bring the one thing you like the must to the party. The “good guy” role to your villain and we know you love that. He'll have public support and media backing. Which then leads to public bashing of you and your brand, TMT. Let's face it, we know you love making the public and media eat “Sugar Honey Ice Tea”.

You know you love that Madagascar reference, don't hate hahaha.

Back to the point, Floyd. If you take this fight, it will make your legacy ranking Titanium. Because we know no one out there has a solid chance against him other than Andre Ward. Besides I know you want no parts of Ward anyway, because Ward is way too big for you, Floyd. So please do us hard core Money May fans a favor. Dismantle him on September 12th and retire as POUND FOR POUND the greatest boxer who ever did it……. until Lil Money May comes along.

3 Rivers Rundown 3.1.15: Back To The Past Thru Our Future

By @Kratoslives

Ok the season is over. Combine has come and gone. It is time to get back to our past. So with that said, it's time to do the unmentionable: cut Troy Polamalu. I know what I'm saying is crazy to some, but it is time. So with a heavy heart and leap of faith, we move on. Thank You Troy, we love you. However, we must address our past so that means one more year for James Harrison and Brett Keisel who showed they have one left in them.   

Now for Shamarko Thomas and Mike Mitchell it's time to shine and take over the middle of the secondary. Ok here is where it gets scary CB we must strike gold in this draft. We also need a serious NT, we must clog up the middle. Mike Tomlin, yes you, I'm calling you out on this one. I need to see the coach from his second year at the helm. That man could get a rabbit to kill a rattle snake with a feather. That coach is really needed because we must also go young on D. Bye Ike Taylor. You're killing us by getting beat across the middle, and Cortez Allen....man up. 

To the coordinators Todd Haley and Keith Butler, mainly Keith, you must breathe new life into the defense. Todd, stay in Ben's head the passing game was spectacular last year. Mike Munchak, no words are needed. Our O-Line is in great hands. Now for the players themselves, you must lose this friendly attitude. Other than Cam Heyward the intensity level has to go up. Believe it or not, if you play more violent the refs will let that be your style of play. 

Mr. Kevin Colbert it's time to get your draft picks back in order. You must strike oil with this 2015 draft class. If not, I'll lead the parade for your resignation and it will be messy. These things must be accomplished because truthfully last year we should've been 8-8. We truly lucked out in a couple of those games. Guess what Pittsburgh? Your the team to beat this year when it comes to the AFC. With only two pieces really needed on the offense, tight end and running back, we will be one of the most feared units. 

As far as the AFC North goes, we will be in a fight again for the title with the Bengals and Ravens waiting on us to stumble because of the schedule. Sorry Cleveland, but you're not going to be a factor this year. So with zeal and hesitation I push forward looking for great things for our team. Including sliding down to Canton to watch "The Bus" Jerome Bettis go into the Pro Football Hall Of Fame. April 30th, I also will be crashing another draft party representing the Black & Yellow. Time to get ready folks! So let's meet again maybe in a month, talking more Steelers football.