I think Holmgren is aware of the coaching circus that this team has been through. I know he is aware of the quarterback circus we have also had going on. I think they took a chance on McCoy to be honest. They took a chance not many were willing to take early on. Has proved that the game of chance is rewarding? So far, yes. For the short term, what we have seen, yes, he is the best thing we have to an on field leader.

However, will the growing pains be kept to a minimum?

I think the same goes with the coaching. Any head coach can come in and change whatever they want. But eventually you simply have to stick with someone. I don't think Mike hates Mangini at all. I know Mike is itching to coach again because he did it for a long time. I don't think that itch will EVER go away. Look at Brett Favre as a huge example. A lot of good athletes and good coaches have a very tough time figuring out when they should exit the game. The game becomes too much and becomes an all encompassing figure emotionally, mentally and physically. So, yes, Mike wants to coach.

However, his contract is the president of the organization. He signed on to turn things around. Mike doesn't seem like the type of guy to back down from a challenge. It's simply not him. The drafting process has been a lot better this year than we've seen in a while. Not better in the sense of breakout amazing players in everyone we've drafted but there has been a consistency there. Even if it's not apparent, take a hard look at the facts, figures and some of the stats. There IS a consistency there. There is a consistency with the team OVERALL. Just because we're not winning games like we did early on (patriots, saints) doesn't mean we aren't consistent in a lot of areas.

We have all witnessed the changes and the positive things. But we are so collectively used to seeing the negative and that is an instant frustration. That frustration outweighs the fact that us as fans and critics alike are witnessing something positive and we don't want to believe in it. We're afraid to believe in it.

Mangini will stay. I think our OC will likely be let go but it's not all on the coaches. Our players have to execute and they have to read schemes well. Where there is consistency there will always be another inconsistency. Another negative that shines through like a red dot on a piece of white paper. But you work around that. We are a better team.

I don't think Mike wants that circus. He's not about the circus. Mike himself took a chance on Delhomme. He thought he had more gas in the tank and just had a bad year. Well, so far, that hasn't bee correct. But for every error the new regime has made, there have been 10 positives.

Well if you think that changing coaches is the wrong way to go why are you buying and playing into the speculation? Just let it go.

To be completely honest, Colt is doing perfectly fine. I am 100% happy with what he has done. If he makes a mistake then that's cool. He's not a veteran that has made any particular mistakes in the NFL. I'd rather see him grow to be a great quarterback, especially for our franchise. If he's not the answer in a few years then so be it. The guy is ultra competitive, can lead, is accurate, reads schemes very well from what I have seen, can scramble and get out of trouble and above all, he is a play maker. That is what I want. I am not concerned with him being able to throw 150 yards to the Wendy's down the street. Sure, having a deep ball presence is very nice and CAN be utilized but in all honesty, how often are our WR's able to catch a ball such as that. They barely get separation as it is.

Colt is doing just fine. If you sitting there picking at any little faction of his play, get over yourself, please.

The Steelers have fielded perennial playoff contenders for close to 20 years now.

And multiple criminals and a rapist. Sorry, but you're a product of your environment. That says a lot about Stooler fans.

Loooooong time lurker. First time post.

There is a lot of intelligent speculation, ideas and opinions on this board.

Where is the TEAM at with progress. That is my ultimate question. Not visually but during practice could they seriously be running so many of these ultra-basic plays?

The one thing that was discussed between my circle of friends while watching the game were the picks. The two times Edwards went out and was supposed to turn around, the Ravens were right there to intercept BOTH passes. Edwards didn't even turn around. His route running looks sluggish and uninspired.

Could this be a case of the players doing only what they need to do and get through the game win or loss? Do you think many of the players have already mentally jumped ship and are just going with the flow in hopes of a trade? Is this even a possibility?