2012 Redskins at Steelers Q&A and prediction with The Maryland Bureau Chief Emeritus

The Washington Redskins travel to the Steel City to face the Pittsburgh Steelers for the first time in four years. Western Pennsylvania native, Sam, also known as The Maryland Bureau Chief Emeritus

WFY: I was going to make a joke about how the Redskins usually beat the Super Bowl winner in the regular season (Giants and Packers are two recent examples) but the Steelers only have 3 wins, just like the Redskins. What in the name of Chris Fuamatu-Ma’afala is going on at the confluence of the three rivers?

TMBCE: Technically, the Steelers are 3-3, but expect things to get worse very soon (spoiler alert!) Without Troy Polamalu, the Steelers are an average defense. Polamalu is out indefinitely, the defense has gotten older, and the younger defensive lineman they drafted haven’t stepped up. So in summary, the defense sucks. Add into the mix a crappy special teams unit, a team second in the league in penalties, a patchwork offensive line, and you have the recipe for a mediocre team. I expect them to finish 7-9. The only reason they are competitive is due to Big Ben.

WFY: Having until recently lived in Columbia, Md. area for about a decade and dealt with fanbases (Ravens, Redskins) regularly, how is it being just surrounded by Steelers fans? Has you perspective on Pittsburgh sports (or your native region in general) changed after being away for so long?

TMBCE: It is wonderful, although on days like today (Monday after a Ravens loss and a Steelers win), I miss being in Maryland and listening to a) how the referees stole the game from the Ravens, b) how the other team cheated and/or got lucky or c) its all Joe Flacco’s fault. The thing I miss the most is regularly listening to the Tony Kornheiser show (don’t flog me, I know you aren’t a big fan of his). My office has some non-Steelers fans as well (Raiders, Patriots and Eagles are all represented). I think I’m less of a homer than I used to be. When the team is playing bad, its easier to point out. Plus, the Steelers have been to 3 Super Bowls since 2005, so its hard to get too upset when they struggle. The main obvious benefit is not having to listen to Ravens fans when the Steelers lose, although I do miss the drama that always surrounds the Redskins.

WFY: What are the best and worst units on the Steelers?

TMBCE: The worst unit is obviously the defense, but specifically the secondary. The “best” cornerback is Ike Taylor, who either gets beat for a first down, touchdown, or holding call on just about every play. Without Polamalu to help cover up mistakes, they are extremely vulnerable. The offense is the best unit, but specifically the passing attack. We have a hall of fame quarterback in his prime, surrounded by 3 lightning quick receivers and a very underrated tight end (Heath Miller). The running game features Rashard Mendenhall (when healthy), but I haven’t liked him since he was at Illinois.

WFY: Who is the better coach, Mike Tomlin or Bill Cowher?

TMBCE: This is a point of serious contention in town. Right now, I would have to give a slight nod to Tomlin, but not by much. My Dad would vigorously dispute that, as he believes that Tomlin won a super bowl with Cowher’s players. I don’t dispute that, but Tomlin has gone to 2 Super Bowls in 5 years, while Cowher went to 2 in 15. Neither one strikes me as a great Xs and Os coach, as both seem to be more of the motivational “rah rah” types. For what its worth, both coaches had Dick LaBeau as the defensive coordinator, who is largely credited with being the brains by the exotic blitz schemes the Steelers run.

WFY: What Steelers gear do you own?

TMBCE: I have plenty of shirts, hats, sweatshirts, and memorabilia. But my two favorite Steelers possessions are my Hines Ward jersey, and the Terrible Towel. DOUBLE YOI!

WFY: Please order your favorite Pittsburgh teams for our readers.

TMBCE: Any discussion of my favorite Pittsburgh sports teams has to begin with the fact that I am a proud Penn State graduate, and they will always be first in my heart and mind. (Yes, I know they are in central Pennsylvania, but they are still #1). Ten years ago, the Steelers would be a clear second, followed the Pens and the Pirates bringing up the rear. Well, the Pirates are still in last, but I have the Steelers and Pens in a tie for second. Hockey mania has gripped this town, and most people younger than I seem to have the Pens 1st, and the Steelers 2nd.

WFY: Steely McBeam, discuss.

TMBCE: No Steelers fan takes Steely seriously, so he warrants no additional comments.

WFY: The turf at Heinz Field, best field in the NFL now or best ever?

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