‘Me And You’ (U) and ‘Double’ games ?

I ran across an old 1975 Time article featuring Pittsburgh’s Steel Curtain. The article mentioned an interesting scheme in the battle of the trenches. During the mid 70’s the Steelers front line ran two schemes- ‘me and you’ and ‘double’. The Left Side Ran  ‘Me and You’ while the Right ‘Doubled’

On the left, Def. End L.C. Greenwood would push himeself and his blocker inside toward the Guard who in normal circumstances would block Def. Tackle  ‘Mean’ Joe Greene. While L.C.  is keeping that area jammed and trying himself to bust through, Joe is cutting though the outside and sweeping back in on the quarterback. That is the ‘Me’ Game.

The ‘You’ (It is named as such because one of the linemen runs a ‘U’ shaped route) is the opposite.  In  the ‘You’ game, Greene would run interference on the outside while Greenwood cuts over the Offensive Guard.

In the “Double” , Right End Dwight White and Right Tackle Ernie Holmes (R.I.P.) would do the same thing that Greene and Greenwood would do and sometimes on the same play.  This is the “double”. To really disrupt the Offensive line, Greenwood and Greene would run the ‘me’ scheme while Holmes and White run the ‘you’

In a spinoff, the two tackles can run their own patterns and charge ahead. This is called “torn” Here is what a rough diagram of the  play would look like. (NOTE: THE P Stands for Pick Up or Block. The Arrows are for the patterns)

                                                                              X(FS)                                          X(SS)

                                                X (Will-LB)                           X(Mike-LB)                              X(Sam-LB)

X(CB)                                     X(DE)              ←  X(DT)                               X(DT)         X(DE)                             X(CB)

                                                            P                                                                      P    ↓

 ——————————————————————————————————————–

(WR)                                      (T)                      (G)                     (C)              (G)            (T)                (TE)                                (WR)  

                                                                                                     (QB)

                                                                            (FB)                                         (HB)

 During this era, Pittsburgh ran the 4-3 package (Shown Above). I repeat, instead of charging ahead, the front four would run the pattern.  On the Weak side, the  Defensive Tackle or DT is making his way to the outside after the  Defensive End or DE blocked and jammed the guard and the tackle. This is  the example of  the ‘ME’ pattern.

 The You pattern is the opposite.  The example of this is shown on the strongside.  The Defensive Tackle (DT) would block the offensive tackle (T) and tight end (TE). while the Defensive End (DE) cuts accross or even under the guard. Both sides runing the same thing is ‘doubles’. It is not unsual for the Steel Curtain to run ‘Me’ on one side and ‘You’ on the other.

Okay, all of this had me wondering if these front four schemes are still being used in today’s game.  If not, two questions come to mind here.

-With all of the rule changes and such, will this scheme work in  today’s game?

-If this scheme works today, who can successfully run it?

-With all of that action goin on up front, what’s up with the Linebackers and Secondary?

Playoff Forecast:The AFC

Patriots

Colts

 Chargers

Steelers

 Jaguars

 Titans

Wild Card

Titans vs Chargers

Jaguars vs Steelers

The AFC once again proves why it is the toughtest confrence to compete in. Some players and coaches around the league believe that this year’s field is the toughest ever. They may have a point because there have never been a five seed that ever struck fear in opponents like the Jacksonville Jaguars. This team definitely have upset potential. The Jags’ two man running attack of Fred Taylor and Maurice Jones-Drew, the consistent play of David Garrrad, and a stingy defense propelled the team to an 11-5 record. The Jags ended the season 2nd in the league in rushing. While Garrad boast a 102.2 quarterback rating. The Jags’ d is’nt  too shabby either. They ranked in the top 10 in nearly every defensive category. Not bad for a team thatr playes in the shadow of the Colts.

Speaking of the Colts, everyone forgot that these guys are the regining Super Bowl Champs, and they went 13-3 for the year. Ironically, Coach Dungy wouldn’t have it any other way. Being under ther radar suits them. It really suits them because there is no pressure on the team. Its only motivation becaue right now, its all about New England and Jacksonville. However, injuries to key players are a huge caveat here. Marvin Harrison was injured for virtually the entire season with a knee injury. Dwight Freeny  is on injured reserve. The reports are that Harrison may be able to play in the divisonal round . The question is, how rusty will he be? The loss of Freeny is critical becaue no pass rusher=problems. The Titans, Chargers, and Jags are great in the backfield and they will exploit that weakness.

I am suprised that the Chargers made the playoffs this year. When AJ Smith dumped Schottenheimer for Norv Turner last Feb., I said ‘ Turner will ruin this team’. In the early half of the season, I was right. The Bolts, however, turned it up in the second half and the players may have bought into Turner’s system after all. I don’t know if it is the weakness of the AFC West, or maybe Norv Turner modified his coaching and bought into the players’ way of doing things. Whatever they are doing, they are doing it right.  The Chargers and the Colts are the true darkhorses of the playoffs.

To me, the Titans and the Steelers are the weakest links in the playoffs. Tennessee is one dimensional and Vince Young is inconstent and do not have quality receivers around him. With that said, he will move out of the pocket and scramble. Coach Jeff Fisher is basically using the possiblility of starting Kerry Collins as a ploy to throw off the Chargers’ D. We all know Vince will start. So, Fisher should stop the charade.

Pittsburgh may have won the AFC North but this is a weak team on defense. The Ravens exploited the hell out of the Steelers’ secondary on Sunday. If Troy Smith. Derek Mason, and Darling did that, what do you think Brady, Moss, Manning, Harrison, and Others will do?

For New England to continue their success, they must put 16-0 behind them quickly, and focus on 0-0. At the end of the season, the Patriots shouwd some dent’s in their armor. Primarly, their red zone defense. Offensively, I would like to see them run the ball more because opposing defenses will try and take away the pass.  Remember, four teams laid the blueprint for this, and would have won if they all didn’t choke at the end.   Now the stakes are higher, and there is no room for error for anyone.

 In the wild card round, I pick the Jags over the Steelers and the Chargers over the Titans.

OWNED!: Don’t Talk Trash If You Can’t Back It Up, Anthony!

 

Photos from NFL.com

 “It was said. It was documented and it was printed.” “We wanted it more!” -Randy Moss

“We played against a lot better safeties than him.” -Bill Belichick on Disgraced Steelers’ safety Anthony Smith

“Wee took the guarantee as a challenge.” -Jabar Gaffney

I know I am late with this but after reading Pittsburgh calling out New England for trash talking three days after their game in Foxboro, it has to be said.

We saw it!

We saw the low latteral gizmo play.

We saw Tom Brady, who has the flavor of a rice cake, talking trash to Anthony Smith while throwing for 399 yards and four touchdowns on 32 completed passes.

We saw Randy Moss torching Smith on two deep scoring drives.

We saw the Patriots humiliate the Steelers 34-13

Now, the Steelers are whining about how ‘classless’ the Patriots are and how they were talking trash throughout the game. Well,  the Patriots were not the ones who flapped their gums and talked reckess to the media guaranteeing victory. Moss and Brady were not the ones calling out the Steelers’ secondary.

Honestly, New England had every right to talk smack during the game. In fact, they earned the right to talk smack for the entire regular season. I don’t blame the Patriots for letting you guys have it-especially Smith. Like I said in my previous post about this game, the guarantee was a bad idea. It was a bad idea because that is fuel and motivation for your opponents.  The Patriots took it as a challenge and stepped up, while you guys faltered.

After the game, Anthony Smith had the nerve to blame the media for misquoting him. Smith said this to the AP: ‘If I had been quoted right, it wouldn’t have come out the way it did.”  Like Moss said, “It was said, documented, and printed” and you and your team payed for it!  Spare us the excusses, and the complaining becacuse it is cowardly and weak. Man up and and move on!

As far playing New England again, I hope it happens, so they can light up Smith again!

The One

  

Tomorrow, it is Pittsburgh’s turn to play “Who Can Beat The Patriots?” Only the Colts, Eagles, and Ravens were close. The Steelers are the only team left with any chance of beating these guys. To me, Pittsburgh have a pretty good chance because, they have a blueprint to follow. The only difference is, these guys cannot self-destruct like Indy, Phlly, and Baltimore did. Mike Tomlin should mix up the offensive plays a little because there are some weaknesses that the Steelers could exploit.

New England is 6th in the league in rushing and in passing defense. On the ground this season, New England’s defense gave up 1,114 yards and 7 touchdowns. Willie Parker is second in the league in rushing, and could have a huge game. After all, Pittsburgh is nt really big on passing.

Through the air, New England’s  defense  gave up 2,359 yards and 17 touchdowns. Ben Rotethlisberger is 4th in the league in passing.  He should continue to try and get everyone involved.

Pretty much, Pittsburgh should control the clock and try and keep the Patriot offense off the field. Saying that Pittsburgh have their hands full on defense is an understatement. Containing New England’s offense won’t be easy at all. Like I said before, it is best for the defense to study what Philly, Baltimore, and Indianapolis did and put their own variation to it. I would say throw mix in some blitzes from the outside. I say this because New England’s offensive line is a brick wall! Brady has only been sacked 5 times this year.

Earlier this week, Steelers CB Anthony Smith guaranteed a Steelers’ victory. In my opinion, this was not a good idea. Guarantees, and pre game trash talk only fuels the opponent. Besides, the Steelers don’t need a lot of motivation. The challenge and the ideal of beatting New England is all the motivation that they need!

RED ZONE’S SEASON FORECAST: AFC NORTH

Since the preaseason is almost over, I think it is approperate to give my predictions for the regular season. Today, I will feature the AFC North. While this division is the toughest in the NFL, I only see two clear cut favorites.

1. Ravens

Finally, Baltimore’s nasty, stingy, league leading defense do not have to carry the load anymore. This year, the Ravens actually have an offense worth mentioning. Steve McNair is really comfortable in the Ravens’ offensive scheme, while rookie OL Jared Gather, and WRs Demetrius Williams and Mark Clayton are the talk of training camp. The addition of troubled running back Willis McGahee should give the Ravens’ ground game a much needed shot in the arm after finishing 25th last season

On the defense, the loss of Adaleus Thomas should not be a big concern for this talented unit. Look for rookie LB Antwan Barnes to pick up where Thomas left off. Also look for DT Haltoi Ngata to experiment with playing Linebacker. Coordinator Rex Ryan is a mastermind at coming up with different defensive schemes.

2007 projected record 12-4

 2. Steelers

This isn’t your father’s Pittsburgh team! Expect more passing and less running this year!  Ben Rothlinsberger had a hand in rewriting the offensive playbook and in it, 3 and 4 receiver sets and maybe some play action  here and there. Despite the change, Willie Parker will still get his yards, as the offense becomes more ballanced.

Look for the defense espically the corners to be more physical. New Head Coach Mike Tomlin made sure of that with his two a days and extra hitting in training camp.  The Steelers and aformentioned Ravens will be in intense contention for the AFC North crown all year long

2007  projected record  11-5 

3. Bengals

The emergence of the “old” Chad Johnson isn’t going to help this team. The Bengals are weak at the OL and DL positions, and there are even more problems in the  secondary. The team’s off the field problems are only making matters worse. I wonder if they have to pay bail to fill out the depth chart  for the season.

2007 projected record 8-8

4. Browns

While the Browns have solid players like Jamal Lewis, Kellen Winslow II, and Willie McGinest, and an overrated yet promising quarterback in Brady Quinn, these guys can’t get right! These guys haven’t had a decent year since 1987. Unfortunately, look for more medioracy from this storied franchise, and Romeo Crenell in the unemployment line after the season.

2007 projected record  3-13

On The Sidelines: Pacman’s Restraining Order/Hot Steeler Mess/Primetime’s Reality Show

The Tennessee Titans issued a restraining order barring CB Adam ‘Pacman’ Jones from participating in Sunday’s pay-per-view event for TNA wrestling due to  his contract with the team. Currently, every player in the league have a clause within their contract that prohibits them from participating and engaging in activities which may involve ‘a significant risk of personal injury.’

C’mon Titans, get off the boo-boo! First, you suspend Pacman for the entire season without pay. Now, he cannot make money elsewhere? This is grossly unfair because you know good and well that this guy may never play another down  in the NFL anyway and taking away wrestling only proves how arrogant you guys, the team and the league are.  Don’t get me wrong, he deserves his suspension but at least give Pacman some sort of “exciting” outlet. If the team and league don’t want Jones to wrestle, they should pay him or reinstate him. NEXT!

For whatever reason, the Pittsburgh Steelers just felt the need to have a mascot. Enter Steely McBeam.

 The mascot was introduced two days ago  at Saint Vincent College, where the black and gold  is holding training camp. Many believe that Steely bears a vague resemblance to former coach Bill Cowher but it is only an amorphoric version of the team’s logo from the 50’s and 60’s.

In my opinion, the Steelers should have revised Stanley Steeler with this model or name the mascot something else. Steely McBeam sounds too sex toyish.

High stepping to the  Oxygen Network in the fall, we have Deion and Pilar Sanders: Primetime Love!  On paper, this sounds like it’s worth watching.  The premise of the centers around the days in the lives of the former NFL star and his former model wife. These two live in the small but fitting town of Prosper, Texas. Wait until you all see his house!

An Iron Clad Statement

The Pittsburgh Steelers opened training camp Tuesday, and they did not only open their camp, they busted the camp wide open! According to steelers.com, the first practice was very physicial filled with tons upon tons of hitting-and that is just the tip of the iceberg.

Coach Mike Tomlin told the press that the team will be participating in five straight two-a-day sessions.  To me, Tomlin and the Steelers are definitely making a statement, and the statement is: “We’re Back and the rest of the AFC North is going to have some problems.”

Honestly, this is the attitude and the tone that a team in the AFC must set.  The AFC is the toughest and harshest conference in football where even the weakest team can explode at any time. I believe that Tomlin is taking the right approach here because the fans and the city will not tollerate a losing season, and will  quickly pine for Bill Cowher if the team flops.