Steelers Again Dismantle Capable Offense With Suffocating Defense

by Blitzburgh on Nov 16, 2008 9:41 PM EST Comment 43 comments

Coming into the contest, the San Diego Chargers were averaging 349 yards per game. Today, we held them to 210 total yards! We gave up an average of 4.3 yards per play, which somehow is worse than our mind boggling season average of just 3.8 yards per play. By the way, did you see when they flashed the graphic that the Steelers 3.8 yards per play allowed was the best mark since 1978! That's remarkable. I'm going to investigate this further, but my hunch is that there haven't been any defenses under 4.0 yards per play since the passing game truly became more prominent in this league over the course of the last ten years. Even on one of our 'off' days, our defense was better than the 2nd best defense for the year.

The points per game will distract people a bit, but the reality is that this defense is historically good. One of the best in the modern era so far through 10 games. And so long as it stays like this, which there's no reason at all to think will not be the case, we have a little bit of leeway to be patient with the offense. It just needs to be so-so for us to have a great shot at a deep run. Today, they were better than so-so, but not quite great. Perhaps next week against the Bengals our offense will take the next step forward and actually finishing off some drives.

Phillip Rivers finished the day with just 159 yards on 15/26 and 2 INTs. Toss in -12 yards from our two sacks and the Chargers finished with just 147 net yards passing on the day. That means despite no Bryant McFadden and DeShea Townsend, we sitll found a way to best our league leading passing yards allowed per game (171). Mike Tomlin deserves credit for plenty of things, but perhaps none more than his success elevating the play of our defensive backs to unbelievable heights.

When we force a turnover or two, and avoid making costly mistakes ourselves, we're going to be very hard to beat. The play above by Polamalu was jaw-dropping, but it was Harrison's sneaky fall back into coverage and pick that truly changed the game.

Next up? Cincinnati at home. The Bengals have improved since the last time we met, but I think it's a safe bet to think we'll again find ourselves marveling about the season our defense is putting together by the time next week's game comes to a close.

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I want a poster of that catch

Troy is a full on Freak.

by SteelerBuddha on Nov 16, 2008 10:50 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Better than so-so?

I respectfully dissent. 3 field goals is not more than a so-so day, especially against one of the worst defenses in the league. On top of that, multiple SD defensive players went down with injuries for some period during the game. Sure, they had a ton of yards, but yards don’t count on the scoreboard. I thought the offense was anemic, at best.

by CarlWeathersMustache on Nov 16, 2008 10:56 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

worse than so-so...

On the surface, the yardage and turnover ratio looked ok. However, the Steelers’ offense once again struggled on the critical plays that mattered, like the goal-line stand or key third down plays. The penalties were killers and signs of poor offensive coaching. The sacks continue to be a problem. And the play-calling, outside of initial drives of the halves, were again uncreative—the final drive excepted. This team is starting to look like the pre-Flacco Ravens: awesome defensive efforts wasted on a pathetic offensive showing. If the refs had gotten the Polamalu TD correct, the defense would have accounted for 50% of the points. That is simply not good enough to go deep into the playoffs and may not get the Steelers past the Patriots or the Cowboys in the coming weeks. Enough with the excuses from fans—we already hear too much of it from the coaches and players. I heard Eli Manning, whose team played much better today, talk about needing to address the mistakes in that quest for perfection. They just won the SB and they are less complacent than the Steelers. What gives???

by ec on Nov 16, 2008 11:22 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

A Nice and Not So Nice Observation

Ravens reference-this is a hit.

Steelers compalcenect-think this is a miss.

by tenthmtnman on Nov 17, 2008 12:58 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Upon further review

complacent

by tenthmtnman on Nov 17, 2008 12:59 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

SOFT

Bruce Arians has made the Steelers running game soft. All that fake screen then handoff garbage, delayed draws and pitching the ball in thier bunch sets makes for a soft O-line. You dont see them just line up for four qts and beat on teams like they used to. The Titans are now what the Steelers used to be, more running td’s than passing td’s. Ben would only throw 14-20 times a game and we would avg 140 -160 yds rushing a game. Its sad to see the Steelers get stuffed at the goal line game after game.

by BLACK STEEL on Nov 17, 2008 12:22 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

The offense

The offense at least so-so. We had over 400 yards, held onto the ball for 36+ minutes, and didn’t turn it over. We overcame a ridiculous disparity in special teams (seriously, Mike Scifres just about won the game for the Chargers) and quite a few questionable penalties. Yes, it was frustrating to watch at times, but we moved the ball both on the ground and in the air, and we did come through when it mattered. The offense should get part of the credit for the safety, too.

I want to see them do it against a better defense – this game reminds me a little of the Jaguars’ game – but if our offense plays this well consistently, we’ll have a great shot at a deep playoff run.

charity standing orders

by BadMaafala on Nov 17, 2008 9:07 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

the offense...

…will not play this well against better blitzing teams, like Tennessee or Dallas. 400 yds and 36 minutes don’t win games if points don’t follow. The o-line and play-calling continue to stink (thanks to obvious inadequacies of players and coaches), and the lemonade of a safety coming off the stuffed TD run (which you want to laud the offense for) is still 5 points short of a successful TD run… Why should we fans be so forgiving? Given how hard and rare it is for a defense to put up the numbers that this one is right now, given the talent and good fortune experienced, I find it a little sickening that the Steelers are two or three linemen and an OC short of a great shot at the SB.

by ec on Nov 17, 2008 8:30 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

because we as fans have two options:

1.) bitch and whine week in and week out about how terrible the offense is, about what changes should be made, about who sucks, what plays should/shouldn’t be run, etc…(which has been happening a lot on this site lately)

2.) we can look for the positivies: no turnovers. only 3 sacks allowed. 115 yds rushing by FWP. 300+ yds passing for Ben (and, again, no turnovers) and 75% comp. rate. 36 + minutes having the football.

sure, we didn’t get into the end zone, and that has A LOT to do with the 13 or so penalties assessed against us, many of which were holding calls. but, we did play efficient offensively. one bad play call on the 4th and goal. a couple dropped passes. Ben missed Santonio on an out pattern. and of course, the penalties…so there are negatives all around. but we won the game, and we held the league’s top rated passer to under 200 yds. that’s impressive.

so we as true fans, SHOULD forgive the offense, and SHOULD be focusing on the positives, and not waste our time anymore griping about what’s holding this team back. we can’t trade to improve our oline, there aren’t any FA’s out there to give our line the boost we need, we can’t fire BA and bring someone in this late in the season and hope to have any positive results.

sure the defense is absolutely dominating. but, the team wins as one, and loses as one. no matter how each unit individually performs.

so, lets stay positive Nation.

by NoCal-SteelCity on Nov 17, 2008 10:14 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

nice, u tell em

It’s like we’re ‘entitled’ to be dominant. Funny. What we ARE entitled to is good effort an legitimate adjustments over the long haul if things aren’t working. Those questions of adjustment wont be resolved till this offseason, and for now, the players are busting their ass on the field every game for each other and for Tomlin. Dunno what else you could really ask for for now at 7-3. There are some bigger picture things to address, but they aint happening in the next 6 weeks.

by Blitzburgh on Nov 18, 2008 1:19 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

bengals game

Anyone catch the bengals/eagles game? If so, what the hell happened? Analysis of the game would be very helpful to give us some tips for this thursday, and also because the ravens are playing the eagles, whom I know I don’t need to remind everyone creamed us.

by steelguy99 on Nov 17, 2008 10:01 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

I was flipping between it and the Giants game. From what I saw, McNabb played an abominable game and Westbrook didn’t look 100%. The Bengals offense did absolutely nothing: McNabb had 4 turnovers and the Bengals scored 13 points. Their defense has without a doubt been improving all year, though. Gone are the days of 52-49 shootouts with Colts; bring on 13-13 ties with the Eagles.

Once the Giants-Ravens game went into garbage time, I watched the last 2-3 minutes of the Bengals. It was some of the worst offensive football I’ve ever seen. I think there were 3 or 4 punts AFTER the 2 minute warning. I thought to myself, “this has a real chance to end in a tie”. McNabb probably didn’t feel the same way, since he apparently didn’t realize the NFL had ties. I’m just glad I’m not an Eagles’ fan. I’m also glad that the Phillies won the Series to counteract the effects this game would have had on the Philadelphia suicide rate.

charity standing orders

by BadMaafala on Nov 17, 2008 12:00 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Think the eagles can bring it together? We need them to win @ BAL.

by steelguy99 on Nov 17, 2008 12:04 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

yes

I think they can rebound from their worst performance of the year. Unless they suddenly have fallen apart, they are a much better team than the one that laid an egg yesterday.

by vherub on Nov 17, 2008 12:10 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

The Eagles are the model of inconsistency. I really can’t think of a team over the past decade that has had as high of highs and as low of lows as them. Their defense is good and their offense matches up well against the Ravens, especially with Landry and McAllister on IR now. I’m sure the Eagles CAN rebound, but who knows what that game will look like.

charity standing orders

by BadMaafala on Nov 17, 2008 12:14 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

So basically:

The bengals are still the bungles.

We can hope the eagles beat the snot out of the ravens to salvage their season.

by steelguy99 on Nov 17, 2008 12:39 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Eagles can do it.

Steelers homer opinion…..
Eagles’ strength is their o-line, which I think will neutralize the Ravens defense and expose their injured secondary. The key to the Eagles winning this game is getting their run game going (Brian Westbrook).

Also the Eagles have been pretty good with stopping the run. If they can stop the Ravens’ run game and force Flacco to throw at Asante Samuel, Sheldon Brown, Lito Sheppard, and Dawkins I like the Eagles’ chances in this game.

Andy Reid is a good coach and this is a must-win for the Eagles.

by bradyquinnsclipboard on Nov 17, 2008 1:04 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Holy crap.

McNabb 28/58. I know there was OT in there, but 58 passes? Jesus christ.

by steelguy99 on Nov 17, 2008 12:12 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

There was a horrible call against eagles near end of overtime.

Another ridiculous roughing the passer call that kept drive alive for cincy and almost gave them the game.

by Jonny B. on Nov 17, 2008 1:28 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

historical ypp/a

hey blitz, check my fanpost out before you do too much research :)

by acrollet on Nov 17, 2008 10:47 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

nice :)

by Blitzburgh on Nov 17, 2008 7:18 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Random Thoughts On Steelers And The No-Fun Offense

— Difference between this week and last? Fast Willie Parker. 4.6 yds/rush makes Ben a better QB, period. Great to see him back.
— That many penalties is inexcusable. Tomlin prides himself on discipline. I’m sure this keeps him up at night more than most things.
— Trading punts is losing this team field position, and it will cost them a close game late in the season if they dont get it corrected. Horrible game for Ernster
— The No-Fun Offense- Is this team still holding on to half of the playbook for late season/playoffs? I see very few plays that get me excited about our scheming abilities. If you are having trouble in short yardage, then where’s the fake FB pitch outside play from 3 years ago? Loved that play. Shuffle pass, Roll Out, Direct Snap. . .these thing still exist, right?

by The IC Lion on Nov 17, 2008 10:52 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

AND WHERE ARE YOU BEN HATERS?

GLAD HE SHUT YOU GUYS UP.

by The IC Lion on Nov 17, 2008 10:53 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

TOUCHDOWNS

The oniy good thing I can say about Ben is He didnt throw an INT. Problem is He didnt throw a TD either!

by BLACK STEEL on Nov 17, 2008 11:17 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

If every one of our TDs is by running I’d have no problems with that. The problem is we didn’t have any running ones, but that is not Ben’s fault.

by steelguy99 on Nov 17, 2008 11:28 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

The only bad thing you can say about Ben is that he didn’t throw TD’s. He had a good completion percentage, good YPA, and didn’t take any risky throws. The only times defenders even got their hands on the ball were on a couple of deeper passes early. He really didn’t even take many unnecessary sacks. The protection broke down in a few cases, and no one was open a few times as well. He was also affected by a couple of drops.

charity standing orders

by BadMaafala on Nov 17, 2008 11:49 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

more ravens

The Ravens and Steelers were both #1 ranked defenses depending on who you ask and what stat you bring to the conversation.
But not yesterday. The Ravens were dominated by the Giants’ ground game. 7.6 ypc for Bradshaw and 6.6 for Jacobs, 210 total rushing yards by their 3 backs, and Jacobs didn’t play most of the game.

Compare that to the Steelers, not only yesterday, but against the Gmen in week 8. 84 total rushing yards, and Brandon Jacobs held to 2.6 ypc on 18 carries.

Also, with the offense negativity, dominating time of possession resulting from long drives, even if they don’t end in touchdowns is still a way to win.

by vherub on Nov 17, 2008 11:53 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

I'm still trying to figure out how the Browns beat the Giants and the Bengals took them to over time?

any answers?

by bradyquinnsclipboard on Nov 17, 2008 1:06 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Luck?

by archon095 on Nov 17, 2008 1:15 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

The Giants defense is good at getting pressure, but not very good if they don’t get to the QB. The Browns have a solid OL and a QB that gets rid of the ball quickly, so it’s a mismatch on that side of the ball. On the other side, Manning just had a lousy game. Their running game did enough to win the game, but Manning threw 3 picks. The Browns have talent, they’re just not very consistent.

charity standing orders

by BadMaafala on Nov 17, 2008 2:48 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

There is a deal to me made

yeah, the offense is struggling but given Ben’s and Willie’s stats yesterday, we are very close to putting up alot of points. The play of our d-backs this year is very refreshing. After years of frustration with Ike Taylor, Chad Scott, Deshea Townsend, etc… playing 10 yds off the line on 3rd and 7, and getting burned deep, I think Tomlin gets the credit for turning our pass defense around. If we can improve the O line and get a coordinator who fits the Steeler philosophy, we will dominate for a long time. Why not sign Leftwich to a 4 year contract and then trade him to a team (vikings) desperate for a QB for a starting left tackle who has worn out his welcome there (Bryant Mckinnie)? We could bring Batch back as a back-up and have a pro bowl level tackle for the playoffs. Leftwich has no intention of staying here as a back-up and I don’t blame him. He will be signed by another team next year and allowed to compete for a starting job. We might as well get something for him.

by qwikdoc on Nov 17, 2008 1:19 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

even if we could

we’re past the trade deadline. No luck on trading blocks.

by Chicago Steeler on Nov 17, 2008 1:35 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

So wrong on so many levels. Maybe we should trade for Jack Wilson and Nate McClouth too.

charity standing orders

by BadMaafala on Nov 17, 2008 2:51 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

hell great idea mabye we could trade for Tony Siragusa.

by frankrmineo on Nov 17, 2008 3:04 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

The TD that wasn't....

……and I’m not talking about Troy’s at the end.

Parker had his TD run called back because of “holding”, which I read in the news that the ref admitted that it should not have been called back for holding. So, if that TD counts it’s a totally different story today isn’t it? Yeah the O didn’t score 2 or 3 TD’s but, that was one they should have gotten and the ref blew it and admitted it.

It’s not that bad.

Plus, six games to go, Parker is back, and things can only get better, right? I mean, with this defense if the O can put up 14-18 points a game, I think they can certainly get to the AFC championship game.

by Ragnar808 on Nov 17, 2008 2:03 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Do you think Arians was listening?

After the last couple of weeks we have been asking Arians for something different. I saw the pitchout and a draw at least once each. Not to mention Ben checking down and getting rid of the ball to the outlet. I know there was some other “new” stuff we have been asking for. Anyone else notice any?

Black and Gold till I die!

by IowaSteeler on Nov 17, 2008 3:26 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

agreed

thought the same on those pitches, and even saw a screen to willie. Amazing! BA only takes 10 weeks! But i’ll take it. Add in the fleaflicker of last week and it’s like he’s a real coordinator.

by Chicago Steeler on Nov 17, 2008 5:43 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Scouts' Take on Steelers OL Issues

Guys, this is what a scout/GM person said about the Steelers OL that appeared in the audibles section of Pro Football Weekly magazine this past week. It’s a good section for knowing how players, team, coaches and front offices are viewed around the league by their peers. All comments are kept anonymous by the magazine. Check out the following:

"How is Pittsburgh winning with Max Starks and Willie Colon and Trai Essex playing on their line? Colon is awful. (Redskins DE) Demetric Evans is just an average, try-hard player and he kicked the (crap) out of (Colon). All three of those linemen cannot play dead in a Western."

WOW, that is some pretty tough stuff!

Thoughts?

by datruth4life on Nov 17, 2008 3:46 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

I don’t know that max starks is that bad…

by steelguy99 on Nov 17, 2008 3:53 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

troy polamalu

is one of the craziest athletes i’ve ever seen. don’t have much time to read/comment today, but that interception…there’s only a handful of people alive who can make that play. so much for the comparisons with john lynch…this guy is truly a once in a lifetime player.

by NoCal-SteelCity on Nov 17, 2008 7:26 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

yup

literally impossible i think to make a more amazing play. The combination of agility, flexibility, lightning fast instincts and first step, THEN good soft hands and a creative imagination to figure out a way to keep the tip of the nose from hitting the ground. So badass

by Blitzburgh on Nov 17, 2008 8:06 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs