2 Yards - Can They?

Do you remember when the B&G could get 3 yards anytime, but a 10 point deficit was a death sentence?  Those days are gone forever (?) (should we just let 'em go?).

This is not a careful analysis based on stats.  This is about a gut feel.  My feeling about the 2007 Steelers is that they can't get convert 3rd and 2 against a good defensive line without passing the ball.  This is especially so on a wet field because FWP just cannot run on a wet/bad field from what I have seen, and I have seen enough!

This is very odd, historically.  It has often been the case that the Steelers 'skill' positions have lagged the brute force positions.  To me it seems that this has been reversed.  I like the Steelers chances on turf and I like them on dry grass, against ANYBODY.  I do not, however, like their chances on mud or snow (against the same).  If not for Big Ben's great season, I think we'd all be talking (more) about the serious loss of sheer horsepower from the O-line.  Again, I know this isn't news to anyone here, but my therapist tells me it is useful to express my feelings.

If the playoffs come and we face a big line (Jags), I will be worried, which sucks.  I really do not like the prospect of losing to power teams on a power basis - it offends my notion of Steeler identity, which is why losses to the Ravens have always stung me worse than other div loses.  Now, BB may be able to beat the Jags even with a bad running day from FWP, maybe in the snow - that is this team's saving grace.  This year, being down 10 is not a death sentence.  Even more, BB may be able to beat Manning and/or Brady, especially given good turf and better decision making early in the game.  But this brings me to a final hypothetical...

Could the Steelers put away either Indy or NE given precipitation, a 10 point lead, 12 minutes left and the ball?  Could they grind out 6 minutes and 3 pts?  I don't think they could, except maybe in a dome.  In a snowy NE, they might have to keep throwing because they can't get 2 yards when it counts.  

In sum, the security blanket is gone and tossed in the fire, folks.  The Steelers are a pass-first team with a smothering defense, with much in common with Philly and NE teams of recent vintage in that regard (sans outstanding pass protection).  BB's play will determine the outcome of the season, period.  Cowher would have never had it this way.  However, he only won 1 in 15 and maybe, just maybe (though not likely), the new regime's willingness to take more risk for more reward will be, well, rewarded in these modern times.  I'll have my antacids pop-pop-fizz-fizzing and I'll be chewing my towel to shreds as I watch the games to find out.