To begin I apologize for not making this a statistically empirical argument, I know yall love them so. That will be for next time.

Like most of SteelersNation I was disappointed by the play of the offense and the outcome of the Jints vs Stillers game. In fact I was so disappointed I have geared myself to write my first fanpost  on BTSC.  The likes of Blitz, maryrose, badmaafia and others have given extensive kudos to the defense, so I won't delve into that part of the game, cause they performed outstandingly. The special team which used to get most of the brunt of Steelers jokes has been up to par and performed adequately not giving up a TD on returns or kickoffs. Football Operations director Kevin Colbert has been brought up in the blame game for a offensive mishaps but he is definitely not the problem; he has been delivering pro-bowl quality players in the early rounds of each Steelers draft he's been involved in. The 2008 Steelers have been marred by injuries on all sides of the football yet the defense and ST have been performing at a high level (other than the botched James Harrison snap). But the offense ... umm ... that offense has been total sh*t. So what is the problem? The answer is as simple as playing with building blocking - the porous Oline (but thats not what this about), Tomlin, BA, Big Ben, and offense WR staff w/ the WRs.

Coach Tomlin: I've been a Tomlin fan since he was instilled as coach of the Steelers. The Rooney's made a great choice but I have a bone to pick with him and it possibly could be his growing woes as head coach. Most 2nd year HC go though a 2nd year slump with a losing record; I think its safe to say the Steelers are not going to have a losing record this season (barred any unsuspected circumstances) and they will make it back to the playoff.

Knocks against HC:

1. Putting his best players on the field and playing them until the 'wheels fall off': when FWP comes back, he needs to keep MM and maybe dookie and Russel involved. To keep them fresh.

2. Getting his money's worth (case of Big Ben) - Making Big Ben accountable. Tomlin needs to give Big Ben some tough love like Cowher and Whisenhunt. Its funny the one time Ben felt accountable was the Bmore game when the fans booed him on his home turf. That got to him and he performed.

Recommendations for Tomlin:

1. Better communication b/w him, the QB and the OC - this will help with time management issues and those bogus Time-outs.

2. Display more authority in the offensive gameplan - BA and Big Ben working on a gameplan has proved to be disastrous with 7 foot drop big play off a non-punishing running game. he needs to get into Big Ben's grill.

Knocks against OC Bruce Arians:

1. lack of game-time adjustments: Without game-time adjustment, offenses are inept and highly inefficient ala Steelers offense. He needs to consider the performance of the Oline in his adjustment, identify the mismatches and pressures, and make the right call at the opportune moment for a finishing blow (that was visible with the bomb to 85 that was called back).

2. lack of offense's creativity: this is vehemently bound to the game-time adjustment, the offense's predictability and the offense dictating to the defense. The Steelers offense is so predictable. Two plays that defenses now expect are the extended draw or handoff play out of the shotgun which was stuffed for a lose by th Jints; and [I don't know the name of this play] the play with the RB coming out of the back field to go deep (it worked with Dookie against NE last year but ever since then nothing has come of it).

3. preparing the gameplan: BA 's opening drive have been efficient and always ended up with points but thats where it ends. Lack of WRs, RBs, TEs screens, short passes with 3 step drops or 5 step drops, not using TE or running backs as checkdowns, and abandoning the running game. THE STEELERS RUN THE ROCK GOD-D@#$IT!! Lets pound defenses.

Recommendation:

1. Calling the game from the sky booth: I think part of BA offensive woes comes from not seeing the field with clarity as Jaws would say. He needs to sit in the press box and call plays from there. This I believe will help with his game-time adjustments.

2. More trick plays and moving the pocket: Lets get Dixon in there. This will help with predictability factor and will slow down the rush. The Troy Smith-Flacco connection was a beauty in this past weekend game. Rolling the pocket and Ben's launching point is a great way to keep the defense at bay and give Ben time to read the defense on the move.

3. Less involvement of Big Ben in game planning: Its obvious, Big Ben wants to throw bombs like the Blonde bomber. Defense are too good now-a-day. BA needs to instill a game plan for underneath the coverage which we know Big Ben doesn't like

The Oline has been getting a bad wrap being the scapegoat. I think the game against the Jints clearly highlighted the Oline was hardly at fault. Blitz great post on highlighting this point. I sat in front of my TV constantly shouting get rid of the ball but Big Ben stood around. I have faith in our QB of steel but like the Oline, I've got a bone to pick with him.

Knocks on Big Ben:

1. a) Holding the rock: I hate it when commentators say Ben's greatest strength is his greatest weakness -  extending the play. We all glare in excitement at the TV during his moments of brilliance but do those moments outweigh the hits and sacks on him. Absolutely not.

1. b) Phantom pressure: I can't attest to this but I've heard it often and it does seem likely. It seems once Big Ben is rattled (not by INTs but by enough hits), game over! I'll be able to talk more on this after MNF where I'll be in the stands and see the whole field.

2. Taking what the defense gives you: Big Ben is a little slow in reading coverage and blitzes, and refuses sometimes to take what the defense give him.

3. Making Offensive line adjustments: Ever since he took over this role the Oline has gotten worse (but this isn't the only reason the oline got worse)

Recommendations:

1. Preparations, preparations, preparations: Doing your homework and preparing for the worst, and working for the best full-game performance. From what I hear Brady and Peyton spends countless hours in the film room paying attention to details and tendencies of defenses. Preparation with LZ and Oline for line adjustment calls.

2. Working out Timing issues with WRs. Share a blunt with Santonio, Washington, Ward, Baker, Sweed, Miller and Spaeth for a bonding session and discuss hot reads. Timing will help WRs catch the ball in stride.

3. Dropoffs as a second read and throwing away the ball to live another day. Extending the play only when necessary. I prefer winning ugly than not winning at all.

4. Adding more plays to the no-huddle packages.

Knock on WRs:

1. Lack of communication with QB and hot read adjustments. Enuff said

2. Steelers O is out of sync. #10 out of the Jints game was a blow to the Steelers but it wasn't an excuse.

Recommendation:

1. Preparations, preparations, preparations: This is pretty simple read, communicate and react to what the defense is showing you. Practice make perfect when it comes to timing. Big Ben and the entire offense need to clock in overtime for the rest of the season.

All in all, the offense has 3 glaring issues - 1) philosophy and preparation; 2) communication and adjustment; and 3) injuries. The only way weapons can help slow down the the pass rush is if the ball is in their hands quickly and they become a threat until then those weapons are just like every other player. The Offense has the talent and tools but they aren't preparing them or deploying them properly and in concert. These issues are all fixable and if they get it right even with a under-performing Oline and injuries, the Steelers are a SB team.

The Offense struggles can only be compared to one thing that is this administration's mismanagement and lack of preparation over the Iraq War.

Hope u guys enjoyed that!!!