Steelers Offense: State of the Union

by maryrose on Nov 17, 2008 5:53 PM EST Comment 55 comments

After a giddy opener and abberation wind-game in Cleveland, we learned in weeks three and four (Philly and Baltmore) just how vulnerable we were on the offensive line. Our quarterback was a fish out of water and the game plans and plays we thought were going to be a major part of the arsenal were in need of dramatic overhaul. While the rest of the offensive was never perfect, including Ben, Bruce Arians and the rest, slinging arrows at them was blaming the symptoms instead of the disease.

The next five games saw the entire offense and coaching staff make changes in an attempt to play to our capacity given the line situation. Beginning with Jacksonville, the short passing game became a focal point. In fairness to the line, Ben Roethlisberger is not the type of quarterback who makes mediocre or below average lines look better. To the contrary, he makes them look worse. Ben like time to consider downfield options and he holds the ball long in order to make plays. Neither of those traits is friendly to an offensive line.

The Steelers won three of those five games, including two road games against solid ballclubs (Jaguars and Redskins). At home against the Giants and Colts, the Steelers had fourth-quarter leads, relinquished them, and were stonewalled from final counterpunch. These games were frustrating more than just the loss. They were demoralizing because our offense had no ability to answer in the second half.

Still, you could see the Steelers morphing into a different offensive identity. Ben is getting more and more comfortable taking two or three steps and letting loose. His short, quick passes are getting more crisp and thrown with more confidence. He is looking more like a fish in different water than out of water. We're seeing less of Santonio Holmes and the home run ball and more of Hines Ward and possession ball. That's what our offensive line allows us to do.

I was hoping the San Diego game was going to be the beginning of a new level. We certainly wanted to put those two straight home losses in the rear-view mirror. I walked into Heinz Field wanting three things (in addition to the obvious W). First, I begged the offensive line to improve just one inch. They might have improved two in my mind. Max Starks is looking more like a back-up than a starter, especially in pass protection, but Justin Hartwig is improving as the centerpiece, playing in between two first-year starters. Second, I really wanted to see Ben look more comfortable in the short, mix-em-up game. He did that. His "new game" is looking better in part because he is practicing more of late. Third, I wanted FWP to be healthy enough to show us all how badly we need him. He did that. He also gave the beleaguered line the opportunity to feel good about giving him a crease or two. Willie made yards on his own Sunday, but only after the line got him to the second level.

All games are "big games," so I hesitate giving the San Diego game a label we use every week anyhow. But I will. That game went beyond the W and could be a pathway for things to come. After the San Diego field goal I stood up and cheered with enthusiasm. The guy in the seat next to me said "now's the time you usually shake your head in disgust." Not this time. It had a different feel. Had Jeff Reed shanked that final boot, I would still feel OK about the way the offense played (although admittedly it would have been harder to write).

Next game we need one more inch of improvement, one more inch of cohesion, one more inch of anything, from the offensive line. Out line might still not be capable of winning a playoff game, unless the defense flat outscores the opposition. Just one inch at a time, baby. We also need to see Ben continue to look sharper with the three-step speed game. In the meantime, the receivers, tight ends and running backs are also getting more comfortable with a new style of offense. And Willie, stay healthy in order for the line to do what it does better, and that is run block.

There are no style points in the NFL. You either win or lose. But once the W is tucked in the back pocket, I do look at style. Style can show us the substance of the future. The fact that the offense scored only three field goals means nothing to me. It was a quirky game all the way around. Such is life in the NFL. The fact that all three of my wishes came true means much more to me.

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I thought the whole point coming out of training camp..

..was that they were going to redesign the offense to give Roethlisberger safer options. All the tall recievers, the running backs who could catch the checkoff passes, etc. That seemed logical to me, but now all the tall recievers are gone, except for Sweed, who never sees the field, and the tight ends. It took an injury to Miller before they finally threw some balls at Spaeth, and viola, it works! Imagine that. Too bad it took all those geniuses earning a full time living, over half the season to be forced into an obvious solution for Roethlisberger’s Neanderthal processessing skills.

by robert ethan on Nov 17, 2008 6:50 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

I am sure that was all part of the hope

But when 40 percent of the line went down after another 40 percent was new to begin with, that showed early in the season that things needed changed and accelerated. My point was, I thought Sunday was a very good step in that accelerated direction despite the nine points. If we continue down that path…

Thoughtful discussion with a sense of history

by maryrose on Nov 17, 2008 7:01 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

The two top rated QBs in the league at the moment (and probably top offenses)..

..are Kurt Warner in Arizona, and Drew Brees in N.O. Both of them play Arena Football, practically. Especially Warner who got his start there. Spray the ball around, quick, short passes. Not saying that Roethlisberger (or Leftwich) has to throw the ball 75% of the time on offense the way those two do, but if they employ the same style on 50% of the offensive plays I think the Steelers would score a lot more points and win more games by wider margins. As it is, the Steeler offense averages over 32 minutes per game on the field, which is at the high end of the scale, but their production is near the bottom in every category.

by robert ethan on Nov 17, 2008 7:11 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Neanderthal processing skills?!?

Stop it people. Stop it. We have never had a QB this good in Pittsburgh. Never. Ever.

He learns, leads, fixes, fights, thinks, grows, protects, plays his tuchas off and has the heart of a lion. We got to stop insulting this guy. The only knock I can think on him is that he is too willing to play hurt. Can you imagine Tony Romo playing right after being run over by a car and having surgery to remove internal organs?

by SteelerBuddha on Nov 17, 2008 7:12 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Tony didn't get run over by a car..

…anyway, who knows, maybe the Neanderthals were quick instinctive processors. Not necessarily an insult. But I don’t think it’s popular opinion that Ben’s strength is reading the field. Nor has it ever been.

by robert ethan on Nov 17, 2008 7:17 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

RE

I just hope youre not looking to start crap with people. Please please allow people who come here to be happy to do just that. Throw in some of your good insights without distracting people from the enjoyment of a win. It’s important to some people.

by Blitzburgh on Nov 17, 2008 7:21 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Well, for me, the last game was like watching someone ALMOST..

..“get run over by a car”. If that happened to a child or pet, you would feel great relief that the car missed them, but at the same time you would be pretty upset, and make damn sure to let the near victim know what to do to avoid it in the future. Since they might not be so lucky the next time.

by robert ethan on Nov 17, 2008 8:24 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

if by 'almost run over by a car'

you mean, ‘almost blew out the other team’. San Diego got 7 garbage points on a garbage PI call. We mismanaged our first trip in scoring range and should’ve either gone for it or punted and played field position as Jeff had no business kicking a field goal that long, in that stadium, under those field conditions. Oh..and we also drove down to the one and couldn’t quite fit it in. And let’s not forget 7 points definitely stolen from us at the end of the game. I see EXACTLY what maryrose was talking about in this article: that our offense is not playing Super Bowl quality…yet. That goddamn, from where we were in the Philly/Baltimore games to what I saw last night, I can finally see the light at the end of our dark offensive tunnel. You seem to be that guy in high school that gets off by constantly shitting on others parades/injecting Debbie Downer mentalities in otherwise fine situations. Go bother some homeless children or someting.

by TheCincinnatiConqueror on Nov 17, 2008 10:35 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Hey Cinci, whats wrong with bothering...

..the homeless children here?

Or someting.

by robert ethan on Nov 18, 2008 12:10 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I actually think

that Ben gets a bad rap in this department. I think he holds on to the ball too long sometimes BUT that too long playing behind the line he has had for the past three years is much less time than most good QBs have.

My point is that Ben has outplayed the protection that he has gotten.

by SteelerBuddha on Nov 17, 2008 11:28 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

BIG WIN

Nice post.

The steelers just need consistency now and no more injuries. We’ll make it.

by sn0wballz on Nov 17, 2008 6:50 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

big win indeed

SD is the best 4-6 team in league history!

All I know is we’re going to have a shot at EVERY game. Thats more than I was bargaining for to start the season.

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

Expectations

2 of 32 teams make it to the Super Bowl. To expect a Super Bowl is ridiculous. The Steelers are exactly where we want them to be: no one can discuss the postseason without discussing the Steelers, which is the best possible scenario for 10 games into a season.

Regardless of what happens, Super Bowl or first round playoff loss, Ben’s injury and patchwork line have improved his game for the future. Ben was forced to play a different type of game than he is used to, and has posted a decent success rate … he’s shown that he can’t yet “win” the game for the Steelers with his dink & dunk game, but he can manage at an average level, and he’s improving every week. But imagine how he’ll look next year when he’s healthy, back to his more bravado-laden game; he’ll also have the small-ball in his repertoire to offer a varied approach based on defensive alignments. All around, I think this year is giving Ben a much needed element for his development as a professional quarterback.

I’d also expect the draft to yield the Steelers at least 2 or 3 offensive lineman. The other weapons are in place.

To Robert “the Downer” Ethan … I rather enjoy your perpetually contrarian point of view. I wonder, though, do you actually enjoy watching the games? Are you entertained at all, or does every move, both positive and negative, add to your hypercriticism? I mean, I guess it doesn’t really matter to me either way … I just wonder why continue to torture yourself? I suppose I could chalk it up to the stream of Catholicism that runs through Pittsburgh … the guilt you’d feel for enjoying anything on a Sunday afternoon…

Of 32 teams, only 6 are currently 7 – 3 or better. That makes the Steelers 1 of 6 … or one of the top 18% … or in the top 3/16 … however you prefer your math, understand that there are 26 teams who have a fanbase with much more to complain about than us.

Maybe Ben’s no Rhodes Scholar, but he found a job he’s more than qualified for and he’s had a much higher rate of success than just about anyone with an identical 5 years on the job.

Anyway, my point is the one I started this with: you can’t currently discuss the postseason without discussing the Steelers. Good enough for me as we move into week 12.

by Fahey on Nov 17, 2008 7:25 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Watching the games is enjoyable for the most part..

..except when something that seems like an obvious problem isn’t addressed and continues to handicap the team. As for Roethlisberger, he has his strengths and weaknesses, and they are fairly well documented. My issue is with the guys who get paid good coin to maximize his strengths (along with those of his teammates), and protect his weaknesses. They seem to be awfully slow at the switch.

by robert ethan on Nov 17, 2008 7:37 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Just remember

The other teams in the NFL pay their players the same amount. Same as the coaches. Yet only three teams in 32 have a better record than 7-3.

Thoughtful discussion with a sense of history

by maryrose on Nov 17, 2008 7:44 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

oh by the way rose

I would not have been ok with a loss there! I was at the local bar with my head in my jacket. Couldnt watch. Of course theres no real substantative difference between how we played based on that kick, but still. Still!

Everyone -fans, players – would have been so crushed.

One point I liked of yours in particular was the one about needing ‘just one more inch’. So true. It’s hard to get there, but next week’s a great chance to really do some finsihing! Too many nice things gone for naught this year.

by Blitzburgh on Nov 17, 2008 8:03 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Not all about Ws and Ls

I think Maryrose’s point is well taken. Its not all about Wins and Losses. The Patriots went 16 -0 but didn’t have it when it counted. The 05 colts were the same way, they won everything in sight during the year and under performed in the play-offs.

The think I really like about this team is that they are getting a healthy dose of character building adversity. Ben is getting booed by the home team. Our training room looks like a MASH unit. We’ve lost tough games.

You get the sense that these guys are building on this stuff – learning from it.

We are 7-3. Call me crazy but I am very happy to finish 11-5 with two more character building losses. We don’t need to go 13-3 to make it to the dance. We need to play angry, hungry and focused. I am not looking for losses, but I am looking for character building moments.

by SteelerBuddha on Nov 18, 2008 12:06 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I can dig that

Yeah, I’m certain there are folks in the front office who have spoken to Tomlin re: the injuries/hits Ben’s taken and the result of it all … and I’m certain Tomlin has reiterated those points to his staff.

Especially re: the amount of money thrown toward both athletes & coaches. While I sit here in my office eeking out another day, looking to kill the final half hour here with some BTSC posts…

I’m sure you’re not quite as negative as your online persona, and are likely as diehard a fan as everyone else on here, so I can understand where you’re coming from. Considering the overall NFL landscape, the context of it all, and all the bells we can’t un-ring, I think the Steelers are in pretty good shape. I actually anticipate them getting better and peaking at the right time for a decent postseason run. We’ll see, I suppose. It’s all guesswork at this point.

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

i do like at least

that we’re seeing some improvements and now have 10 weeks! of amazing defense under our belt. THAT"s not going anywhere, whereas last year, there was a decidly different vibe about our defense, even though they played very solidly most of the season. Injuries havent slowed us one bit this year.

It’s an over used term but we may very well hit our stride at the right time.

by Blitzburgh on Nov 17, 2008 8:56 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

but

I do agree with RE that it will take more than just good effort. The coaches have to step up too.

by Blitzburgh on Nov 17, 2008 8:57 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

neanderthals in ballet tights

First off Ben is the best qb we have ever had,secondly I have been harping on this since August and I still am baffled by the fact that we havent shown interest in Lecharle Bently?Apparently he is working his ass off waiting for the phone to ring,Hartwig has done a much better job lately so we could put Bently at guard where he was an allpro in NO.Everything else looks like a possible superbowl run,especially the defense;lightsout!!And I really think that Russel could turn out to be something special.

by wmd3 on Nov 17, 2008 9:48 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

russell provided a great

‘no no NO…yes, yes YES!..Awww crap, matters not, another penalty’ moment.

I too liked how hard he ran. He needs some touches though to get his feet wet, absorb some contact, etc. STILL not too late to work him in to a legit degree.

by Blitzburgh on Nov 17, 2008 10:00 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

the coaches have talked about it

This one seems like a no brainer too. Especially because we saw how much we needed FWP. We have to keep him healthy At this point it’s not an irreasonable concern with him. He’s had some tough luck the past year, so better to not assume he’s just suddenly over his shoulder ordeal just cuz he was valiant.

I like how low Russell runs to the ground too

by Blitzburgh on Nov 17, 2008 10:02 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

You’ve harped and harped and we’ve all responded with legitimate reasons. Time to let it go.

by steelguy99 on Nov 17, 2008 10:43 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

"Harping" is in the eye of the beholder...

..so is “..responded with legitimate reasons…”. So is assuming yourself part of “..we all..”, for that matter.

But since I seem the only one here who gets warned for “…starting crap with other people..”, I guess the writing is on the wall.

by robert ethan on Nov 18, 2008 12:22 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Everything is in the eye of the beholder, but thanks for pointing that out. Very insightful.

by steelguy99 on Nov 18, 2008 11:00 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Best QB we have ever had???

Hold the phone on that one. I don’t know how old you are. Ben may very well to turn out to be the best QB we have ever had, but he has a way to go before you proclaim him to be better than a HOFer with FOUR super bowl rings. In his first 4+ seasons he is on pace to maybe be better. That’s all.

by Jonny B. on Nov 18, 2008 9:07 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

ben a neanderthal?

wonder if he could spell cat if you spot him the c and t. romo couldn’t even play with a hurt pinkie. not sure if this was the site or not pretty sure it was, about ward being over paid anyone feel that way now. baby steps mary hopefully they will just get bigger just need a few tds now and then.

by billsteelcity on Nov 17, 2008 10:42 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

another thing

quit running moore right into the other teams defense.

by billsteelcity on Nov 17, 2008 10:45 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

yes it was

I wrote that Hines was definitely NOT overpaid. I was two 100+ yard games ahead of the curve on that one, thank you :)

by Blitzburgh on Nov 17, 2008 11:24 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

The glass is half full!!!!

As a Southern California Steeler fan who works in law enforcement, I had the misfortune of dealing with evacuations and wildfires while many of you watched the nationally televised Steeler/Charger game. After 36 hours of controlled chaos I was finally relieved from duty and allowed to go home. I was tired and desperately in need of sleep, however my wife had recorded the game and I knew I wouldn’t sleep well until I watched it.

I gotta tell you, a win by the Steelers (even an ugly one) is the best elixir for making everything good in my little world. Yeah, there were things they could’ve done better but there was a lot to be happy about.

Here are a few of my “glass half full” observations:

1) Ben can still play and anyone that says otherwise if full of sh*t
2) A good running back (FWP) will mask the shortcomings of our O-Line
3) G. Russell should be our short yardage RB, he runs with a goal line attitude
4) The tight end position is quickly becoming our silver bullet (imagine that)
5) If it weren’t for the plethora of penalties, Bruce Arian’s gameplan would’ve looked like sheer genius
6) And most importantly, DEFENSE wins championships! I dunno about all of you, but I"m feeling the magic!!!!!! GO STEELERS!

by Steev1705 on Nov 17, 2008 11:04 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Amen

Good points all. Our d is the best in the league – bar none.
Our O has all the tools – but its still a work in progress. We can put it together – but we have to overcome a very mediocre O-line that has cost us in all facets of the game.

by SteelerBuddha on Nov 17, 2008 11:39 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Thanks for your thoughts and your service...

While Chicago isn’t threatened by the fires, I’ve got many friends in So-Cal and I appreciate how hard ya’ll are working.

by Chicago Steeler on Nov 18, 2008 12:48 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Seconding That

I was down here sucking smoke but still watching the game. Thanks for keeping us all safe while I had my feet up in the barco lounger.

by BallsofSteel on Nov 18, 2008 3:42 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

thats a 2008 steelers style victory..and that’s why your in first. your making your breaks and i can only hope we are within a game when we play you. we wimped out in NY.

by raven on Nov 17, 2008 11:28 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

no shame

IF you can bounce back next week. We’ve got Cincy. Falling back one more would be tough, but Ravens would still be in hunt for a WC depending how things shake out in the East.

by Blitzburgh on Nov 17, 2008 11:33 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Ben and Protection

I am sitting here watching the Browns play against the Bills. Its late in the fourth quarter and there has been only sack in the whole game. Both teams are blitzing quite a bit. Both teams are throwing quite a bit and I am struck by how much more time the QBs have to throw – and how much space their O-lines give them than I am used to seeing in a Steelers game.

What’s more, if you guys notice – Ben may not get rid of the ball quick. But when he has time to move through his reads – he is a deadly accurate passer.

I think that we are allowing the improvement in the line to blind us to how weak they still are at pass protection.

by SteelerBuddha on Nov 17, 2008 11:35 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

score?

by Blitzburgh on Nov 17, 2008 11:43 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

29-27

Brownies just kicked a 56 yard field goal

by SteelerBuddha on Nov 17, 2008 11:47 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

1:44 left

by SteelerBuddha on Nov 17, 2008 11:47 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Brady Quinn

I think this kid is real deal. I am watching him and I get the sense that he will be a real good QB in years to come. He stands i the pocket. He moves well. He makes good reads. He has super nice touch on the ball. He does not seem scared. Maybe next year Brownies. Maybe next year.

by SteelerBuddha on Nov 17, 2008 11:43 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

we'll see

Guys like LeBeau and Monte Kiffin react pretty damn quickly to what you do well. He’ll have to show he can counterpunch back.

by Blitzburgh on Nov 17, 2008 11:55 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

sure has been nice start for him

havent see much of him, but the numbers have been nice. but still, id still say that.

by Blitzburgh on Nov 17, 2008 11:55 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Looks sharp

Not numbers wise – just confident – smart etc. Then again I feel like all the young QBs this year look pretty good. Aaron Rodgers – fantastic. Flacco – smart and conident. Ryan – great…

by SteelerBuddha on Nov 17, 2008 11:58 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Quinn

by robert ethan on Nov 18, 2008 2:24 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

numbers would be a lot better if Joe Jeruvicius were healthy, I think

…Winslow and Edwards don’t make any catches that aren’t easy and straightforward. For all the gas that comes from those two, and all the money tied up in them, they sure don’t do much to justify it in the games I’ve seen them play.

by robert ethan on Nov 18, 2008 2:27 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

It aint' good until you do it for 3 years

The NFL history books are filled with guys that looked good early. Yeah some pan out, but most don’t. Lets not forget Quinn just replaced a pro bowl QB who last year made him look expendable.

With Ben we have had multiple playoff wins, a superbowl victory and many, many gutsy wins….lets see Quinn do that :-)

by Steev1705 on Nov 18, 2008 12:14 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

Agree

But I still think Quinn has looked better putting up worse numbers than Anderson put up last year. I ain’t handing out pro-bowl votes – let alone HOF ones – I just think that the guy looks like a winner. I never thought Anderson did. I thought he was a one trick pony. Andreson could stand in the pocket and throw – and with Cleveland’s strong line he had a lot of chances to do that last year. Quinn seems to throw well in and out of the pocket. He is fast on his reads. He has nice touch. Most importantly he seems to have that quality of wanting the ball in his hands and instilling confidence in his teammates. I am not going on too much game footage – for sure. But on the little that I’ve seen I’ve been impressed.

BUT, he is not in shouting distance of Ben yet – even with the rough patch our big hit during the middle part of this season.

by SteelerBuddha on Nov 18, 2008 11:05 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

improvements and reality.

seriously, who thought when the schedule came out we would be 7-3 through week 11?
i didnt. i really hoped we would be, but i honestly didnt to find ways wins like we have (thanks defense).

seriously again, who really thought we would be 7-3 after that loss to philly?
i didnt. i was worried. but as marryrose has pointed out, our offense is slowly adjusting each week. every little inch and every player that returns from injury helps us improve. even if its just an inch. its these improvements, adjustments, and resiliency that will give us the edge over other teams in the playoffs.

by neverender on Nov 18, 2008 11:58 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

“"i didnt. i really hoped we would be, but i honestly didnt to find ways wins like we have (thanks defense).”"
i have no idea how that sentence came out so wrong haha. more coffee please.
should read like this:

i didnt, i really hoped we would be, but i honestly didnt think the team would find ways to win like we have in this tough schedule (thanks defense).

by neverender on Nov 18, 2008 12:02 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

blitz

when i mentioned the thing about hines ward i wasn’t talking about the article you wrote it was all the comments made after that. you defended him in your article and in the comments. I myself think he earned everything for all the years he wasn’t very highly paid, kinda like james harrison this year.

by billsteelcity on Nov 18, 2008 4:13 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Blitz, holla at your boy!

B, what up! You ready to get up in some Bengal skins come Thursday nite! DaTruth has a few insights to ponder with this team’s future hanging in the balance:

— Man, this is so comical. No not your offensive coordinator or offensive line coach. I’m talking about all of this discussion about the Steelers seemingly having found a short-yardage/goal-line back in Gary Russell. I introduced this board to Gary Russell two years ago and explained at that time why I thought he was going to be a player for this team. Yes, he’s the best short-yardage back on this team, but he is more than that. He’s a good kickoff returner (not Josh Cribbs good, but he’s good) and he can be a pounder that’ll get you 100 yards on 20 to 25 carries. I like his size, 5’10, 225, the way he runs, the burst that he shows at that size, and the fact that he’s a rookie free agent in the second year of his deal. That means they have him for another year next year before they have to give him some coin. This team’s backfield next year of FWP, M. Moore, G. Russell, Mendenhall, and whoever to challenge G. Davis’ spot is looking pretty good.

- Can we know get back to 40 to 45 runs a game and about 20 passes? FWP isn’t the only one who wants to get back to Steelers Football. Just ask Blitz!

- Don’t look know, but this team’s LB corp is set up to be pretty good for awhile, besides the starting 4 and Timmons, you still have Keyaron Fox, and 4 rookies that I expect to take big steps next year, D. Woods, Patrick Bailey, Bruce Davis, and M. Humpal. No need to waste picks on LBs next year. Just sign a few rookie free agents and let’s go.

- That means that the team can use some of its 9 draft picks to move up and get their LT for the next 12 years. That’s right, Kevin Colbert. Time to do a Polamula deal. Time to trade a 1st, 3rd, and 4th to move up into the teens to get your LT of the future. Then come back in the second and get the second best OT on the board, and then come back in the 3rd round and get the best DL out there. And if the tackle that you like falls to you in the 1st round, I might use that 2nd round pick to get Derrick Williams out of Penn State. All special teams returning problems solved with that pick and get your DL next round. By the way, for those are can’t do the draft math, the Steelers have all their 7 picks this year, will get a 3rd pick for the Faneca departure, and have the 7th round pick coming for that center (I can’t remember his name) that almost prematurely ended Ben’s life this past year.

- Can this OL play better in the 2nd half of the year than it did in the first half? Will your $100M QB learn how to throw the ball away and realize that he doesn’t have to be Superman with the D that he has on the other side? Just let Harrison, Palomula and Woodley be Superman. Kapeesh?

- Bruce Arianas and Larry Z are gone. Nope, Datruth doesn’t have inside information. But he knows Tomlin likes to try to plug holes before the dam breaks. With this offense still not adjusting to the blitzing that it is seeing, enough is enough. I don’t know who will be the OC next year, but let’s hope the first 2 words that come out of his mouth will be “Pound the Rock!” Let’s hope the next 4 will be “Ben, throw it away!”

- This team can either turn it up or throttle it down over the remaining games. I like the fact that Tomlin called out Ben on practicing. Apparently, our $100M baby needs those reps in practice to feel comfortable. Allright then Ben, no more days off for you.

- That’s it for now. I think both Harrison and Woodley will break the Steelers sack record this year. I’m saying Harrison 17 sacks, Woodley 15. Can’t wait to get B-Mac and Heath back in the saddle.

- What will the Steelers do down the stretch and what is the final record? Datruth believes 11-5 is very doable, and 12-4 if the OL picks it up a notch.

Thoughts?

by datruth4life on Nov 18, 2008 4:36 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

True Dat

Good to have daTruth back and laying it down.

Some great points made.

- Gary Russel – you caught it early. The guy has game. I am a little sad that we may not get to see him get the touches, but I’ve loved what he has shown us. He runs HARD.

- Distributing the ball to our Backs – Has anyone watched the Giants and Tennessee play this year? Running back by committee is the way to go. We now have three solid backs on the squad. It would be great to see FWP get 15-20 touches and MM and GR each get 7-10. I think that creates a much more punishing and effective offense than what we have had up until now. FWP looks great, but he will last a whole longer if he isn’t being run into the ground. He is averaging 22.5 touches a game in 5 games this year. There are only two running backs who are averaging more touches per game. They are Adrian Peterson and Clinton Portis. The ONLY reason FWP is not number one in that category is that he got hurt in the third game and had only 13 carries. Otherwise his average is a league leading 25 touches a game.

The only problem with the run game is that we are barely picking up yards. We are 29th in the league in Yards per rush attempt. The only teams who do worse then us are the Bengals, Colts and Cardinals (dead last). Should we hire Wiz/Grimm back to pick up those tough yards?

by SteelerBuddha on Nov 18, 2008 5:22 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

:) you're still da man truth

Love your thoughts, always. You were indeed high on Russell many moons ago before it was trendy. Definitely agree on your assesment of the peripheral guys in the LB corps. Like Bailey on ST a lot.

What do you think we’ll do with all 7 of those picks truth?

by Blitzburgh on Nov 19, 2008 1:30 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Perspective...at least my slant on it

Going into this game I was dealing with the horrible hangover that was my Gamecocks getting pasted 56-6 by the Gators and the lingering effects following on the heels of the loss to the Colts. This meant that I was looking for the sweet calming balm of a Steelers domination of “Howdy Doody” Rivers and the Chargers.

At points in the game the defense had me back up there in hope and hapiness…at times the offense looked like it just might spark into life…but there were definitely times that I felt that horrible taste rising in the back of my throat.

Regardless of all that I felt good at the end of the day and here’s why: Ben was connecting on most of his passes and not getting dumped into the turf on every play. FWP was back and showing why he is our #1 RB. Hines was back catching those tough passes and moving the chains for us. Holmes showed some more umph in his game and fought for the sideline there at the end for us. The defense was a joy to behold – hard to single any one out, but the INT by Troy was sublime and seeing Harrison bull through the Chargers line was just frickin’ magic. Jeff Reed showed he can take a miss and come right back with the winning kick. At the end of the game, the refs screwed it up, but our guys still showed their metal.

We win.

It’ was a good day.

by SCSteeler on Nov 18, 2008 10:58 PM EST reply actions 0 recs