A Legend in the Making: The Coaching Career of Biff Jones
The Football world was shocked when right after the 2007 NFL Season ended, Coach Mike Tomlin left his new job coaching the Pittsburgh Steelers. Coach Tomlin cited family reasons. "I wish I could continue, but I cannot in good conscience and in fairness to the Rooney family and Steeler Nation continue to coach this team. They deserve someone who can give 150% at all times, and I just can't right now."
The Steelers didn't go without a coach for long. A scant 7 days later, the Rooney's introduced Biff Jones as the new Head Coach of the Steelers.
"I'm going to keep the staff assembled last year by Coach Tomlin", said Jones, "Look for big things from us this year."
Steeler Nation waits with uneasy anticipation, hoping the Rooney's know what they're doing.
The 2008 NFL Season looks to be a good one. This preseason, the Steelers split between wins and losses. "We're still getting used to each other," said Coach Jones, "But I think we have a solid team here. I expect great things from these men.
Making a surprise showing this preseason was QB Tim Hasselbeck, who won a spot as the Third QB. "I'm just as surprised as you all are," he said, "But I'm glad for the opportunity.
As always, the Steelers Defense looks superb, but the normally potent offense seemed lackluster at times. "We've definitely got room for improvement," said starting QB Big Ben, "But we'll get there, believe me."
Guess we'll have to wait and see.
Preseason 2008 Results:
1) VS. Eagles: Loss, 3-22
2) at Bills : Loss, 10-14
3) at Vikings: Win, 13-3
4) Vs. Panthers: Win 17-7
LACKLUSTER STEELERS OFFENSE WAKES UP IN 2ND HALF TO BEAT HOUSTON 20-17 IN OT
The Steelers offense was dismal in the first half. Big Ben could hardly complete a pass and everyone seemed confused. In the second half, largely spurred by a renewed effort by Fast Willie Parker, the Steelers caught up with just 17 seconds left in the 4th Quarter. A botched fake punt on the Steelers 47 gave the Steelers the ball back, and Jeff Reed booted a 48 yard FG to win it in overtime, 20-17
"Obviously, I'm happy to get a W," said coach Jones, "But the offense has to start executing more consistently. We won't get far playing like we did in the first half
Performance of the game goes to fast Willie Parker, who racked up 130 yards on 26 attempts.
There was a bit of a scary moment when Aaron Smith left the field and headed to the locker room with no comment from the Steelers staff. Turns out to be a strained wrist, and he should be ready to go at cleveland. "We'll just have to see how he develops"
Houston Texans at Pittsburgh Steelers
Sep 7, 2008
1ST
2ND
3RD
4TH
OT
SCORE
Houston Texans (0-0)
10
0
7
0
0
17
Pittsburgh Steelers (0-0)
0
0
7
10
3
20
Team Stats Comparison
HOU
PIT
Total Offense
268
277
Rushing Yards
87
142
Passing Yards
181
135
First Downs
13
12
Punt Return Yards
27
13
Kick Return Yards
121
102
Total Yards
416
392
Turnovers
0
2
3rd Down Converstion
9-18
5-12
4th Down Conversion
0-1
0-0
2-Point Conversion
0
0
Red Zone Touchdowns/Field Goals
2/0
1/1
Penalties
0-0
1-5
Posession Time
Scoring Summary
FIRST QUARTER SCORING
HOU
PIT
9:01
(HOU) M. Schaub pass to A. Davis, 19 yards for a TD
7
0
2:13
(HOU) 38 Yard FG, K. Brown
10
0
THIRD QUARTER SCORING
HOU
PIT
7:08
(PIT) B. Roethlisberger 4 yard pass to H. Miller for a TD
10
7
0:01
(HOU) M. Schaub 11 yard pass to K. Walter for a TD
17
7
FOURTH QUARTER SCORING
HOU
PIT
7:01
(PIT) 49 yard rush by W. Parker for a TD
17
14
0:17
(PIT) 20 yard FG, J. Reed
17
17
OVERTIME SCORING
HOU
PIT
5:53
(PIT) 48 yard FG, J. Reed
17
20
Houston Texans
PASSING
C/A
YDS
TD
INT
M. Schaub
14/26
185
2
0
RUSHING
ATT
YDS
AVG
TD
S. Alexander
37
90
2.4
0
RECEIVING
REC
YDS
AVG
TD
A. Davis
6
87
14.5
1
K. Walter
4
58
14.5
1
S. Alexander
2
26
13
0
DEFENSE
TACK
SACK
INT
TD
D. Ryans
11
0
0
0
A. Okoye
6
1
0
0
KICKING
FG
XP
PTS
LONG
K. Brown
1/2
2/2
5
38
Pittsburgh Steelers
PASSING
C/A
YDS
TD
INT
B. Roethlisberger
11/24
142
1
2
RUSHING
ATT
YDS
AVG
TD
W. Parker
26
139
5
1
RECEIVING
REC
YDS
AVG
TD
H. Miller
3
24
8
1
W. Parker
3
51
17
0
S. Holmes
2
25
12.5
0
A. Shields
2
38
19
0
DEFENSE
TACK
SACK
INT
TD
J. Harrison
10
0
0
0
J. Farrior
10
0
0
0
KICKING
FG
XP
PTS
LONG
J. Reed
2/2
2/2
8
48
Next week, the Steelers face another challenge as they take their show to Cleveland.