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 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 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.