What We Need to do with our Lines Part 1 of 2.
by HighSchoolSteeler
on May 2, 2008 7:41 PM EDT
Well there has been a lot of talk on how we didn't address our O-line and D-line. Let me say this. The Steeler line is not by any means a great one, but as Ben Roethlisberger said in a recent article, it's better than people give them credit for.
Obviously 47 sacks is down right awful, but let's look at some of the reasons why that happened. The first fault is of Ben Roethlisberger's, I mean don't get me wrong I think he's great, but what some people forget is that he never got rid of the ball while under pressure. Now, I don't mind him trying to break away from tackles and sacks from time to time and then make a great play (see week 9 2007), but when you try to do it every time your pressured, you're gonna get slammed; THROW THE BALL AWAY. Big Ben himself, said he needs to throw it away more. Secondly, last year the Steelers turned over the reins to Ben to call protection against blitzing defenders...that's not necessarily the line's fault is it? Bottom line here is that Roethlisberger needs to get better at reading blitzes and throw the ball away when there's no play. Otherwise keep of the great work Ben.
Secondly, several of our linemen went down to injury last year. Half the time we had guys playing in positions that they weren't used to playing in (i.e. Willie Colon). Now losing Faneca will definitely be a major blow to the run blocking and pass protection. But, according to the Steeler's coaches and players, two young guys have been impressing in workouts. These guys are Willie Colon and Chris Kemoeatu . Both have said to be playing well. Not only that, but we did draft a lineman. Tony Hills out of Texas was a very good tackle. Once he 100% he could be a decent tackle.Not only him but also Justin Hartwig, the solid, Pittsburgh-loving center, and undrafted rookie center Doug Legursky, add depth and versatility to our team.
As for the future, we do need to draft young linemen next year. With a lot of issues addressed this year, it'll be clear as crystal that we should draft Offensive or Defensive linemen, but more on that in part 2.
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Throwing it away
I made a post once about throwing the ball away. And believe it or not. but there are statistics on how many times you throw the ball away. And Roethlisberger throws the ball away more than probably 90% of the Quarterbacks in the league.
Throwing the ball away is something that is over blown. The average QB throws the ball away maybe 10 times per year. Romo did it twice all of last year on 520 attempts. Palmer threw it away 8 times all of last year while throwing the ball 575 times. The great Tom Brady threw it away 16 times on 578 attempts. Ben threw it away 11 times in only 404 attempts.
If Ben would throw the ball away everytime he is under pressure he would probably throw it away around 50 times. Not to mention you can not throw it away in the pocket. And I also dont mind that he holds onto it too long. Ive tried explaining before I would rather have him hold the ball too long and get sacked rather then get rid of it early, when he is not ready too, and throw that game ending interception.
And as for Ben calling protections. Our line this year had very few missed assignments. This year the Steelers OLine just got manhandled one on one, and beat up, and thrown into the backfield. Last year, they had missed assignments all over the place(Read: Bart Scott)
by jason97673 on May 3, 2008 7:42 PM EDT 0 recs
True
Yes, many of the other QB’s in the NFL may throw the ball away less than Big Ben, but the best threw it away more than him. Now, I’m not saying throw it away every time, I mean I like the way he tries so hard to make the play happen, but he needs to do more often.
HSSTEELER told you
by HighSchoolSteeler on May 3, 2008 9:46 PM EDT 0 recs
Well
Really out of all the guys I looked up that threw the ball away more than him were Rivers, and Derek Anderson.
Peyton threw the ball away less, once every 39 passes. And Brady and Ben both averaged one throw away every 36 passes.
by jason97673 on
May 3, 2008 11:37 PM EDT
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I believe you
I believe you.
HSSTEELER told you
by HighSchoolSteeler on
May 4, 2008 10:37 AM EDT
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No problem
Just letting you know. Cause the throw away stat is kept. Only site I have seen the numbers is on sportsillustrated. Here is my article about the holding the ball too long. Article
by jason97673 on
May 4, 2008 4:56 PM EDT
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jason
Provide him with a link to your solid story. Search the archives for it. If you have any trouble finding it, email me and I’ll take a look.
It was an interesting read.
by Blitzburgh on
May 4, 2008 12:11 PM EDT
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with Marvel Smith
sounding like he’s really 100% for the first time in a couple years (read Tribune-Review about it), it’s very possible we could let Starks go at the end of the year (unless he shows pro-bowl like ability), and re-sign Smith. Smith is 30 but that isn’t real old for a starting LT. if his back problems are totally behind him (which it sounds like they are), he could play til 35. this is the biggest factor I think for me in how our O-line plays out. alot of our O-line downfall was in the 2nd half of the season when Smith was playing through injuries.
by TheMostViolentTeam on May 5, 2008 1:43 PM EDT 0 recs
Hartwig looks like an upgrade
Just watched two games on NFL Network from October of last year. They were the Steelers vs. The Bungles and Carolina against Indy. I got to see Mahan and Hartwig play, sorta side by side if you will.
From that one game (and I realize it’s just one game), it seems that Hartwig will be an upgrade from Mahan. Hartwig just looks bigger and more intimdating and has more drive off the ball, especially with run blocking.
Conversely, Mahan was being pushed into the Steelers backfield. Mahan may be ok as a guard, but he does not fit the Steeler mold for a center, he kept needing help all year. Hartwig fits the bill a lot better.
by Bleedblack&gold on May 5, 2008 6:18 PM EDT 0 recs
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