Debunking Any Notion That The Steelers Failed To Run The Ball Enough Yesterday
by Michael Bean on Oct 26, 2009 5:33 PM EDT
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PrintThis oh-so-eloquent excerpt comes from a recent fanpost.
Can the Steelers just be a bit smarter about play calling during crucial times of the game when it behooves them to take the time off the clock and Mendenhall has proven himself to be quite capable of handling the load...........34 needs the ball 20 times a game MINIMUM!!!! good grief!!!
There was additional griping about the number of running plays called in other games this season. I'd agree that it made little sense how few runs were called against the Cleveland Browns considering the flow of that game and the success that the running game had been having the previous week and earlier in the contest against the Browns. But against the Vikings yesterday, the way the game unfolded dictated how many carries Mendenhall received. Let's take a look at every last play and drive Pittsburgh had yesterday to get a better understanding of how the flow of the game limited the number of touches he had.
Drive #1:
| Play | Play Call | Result |
| #1 (1st and 10) | Run (Mendenhall) | 14 yards |
| #2 (1st and 10) | Pass | Sack -8 yards |
| #3 (2nd and 18) | Pass (Miller) | 6 yards |
| #4 (3rd and 12) | Pass (S. Holmes) | Incomplete |
Analysis: Obviously Pittsburgh has to throw on 2nd and 3rd down there after the 8 yard sack on 1st down. Not an ideal way to start the game offensively, but promising I suppose that Mendenhall's first carry was so successful.
Drive #2:
| Play | Play Call | Result |
| #1 (1st and 10) | Pass (Mendenhall) | -1 yards |
| #2 (2nd and 11) | Run (Mendenhall) | 3 yards |
| #3 (3rd and 8) | Pass (Moore) | Incomplete |
Analysis: Again, Arians doing just fine trying to get Mendenhall involved early. A screen pass to him followed by a run on 2nd and 11. Mind you, Arians isn't famous for running on 2nd and 11. Then on 3rd and 8, what can you do but pass? Nice start for the Vikings defense as the Steelers offense feels their way around unsuccessfully.
Drive #3:
| Play | Play Call | Result |
| #1 (1st and 10) | Pass (Ward) | 3 yards |
| #2 (2nd and 7) | Pass (Holmes) | Incomplete |
| #3 (3rd and 7) | Pass (Wallace) | 10 yards |
| #4 (1st and 10) | Run (Wallace) | 13 yards |
| #5 (1st and 10) | Pass (D. Johnson) | 4 yards |
| #6 (2nd and 6) | Run (Parker) | 2 yards |
| #7 (3rd and 4) | Pass (Holmes) | TD nullified by penalty |
| #8 (3rd and 14) | Pass | Sack -4 yards |
Analysis: Oh my God! We didn't run the ball! And he moved right down the field for the first score of the game. Had it not been for Heath Miller's pass interference on the opposite side of the field where the touchdown occurred, the Steelers would have had the game's first touchdown and a 7-0 lead. This was a nice drive, partly set up by the nice reverse call to Wallace. When you run against the Vikings, you're usually not going to have much success in between the tackles where the two Williamses are collapsing everything. Well done by the Steelers offense here.
By the way, if you ask me, that's a great rule about receivers setting picks for their teammates. There's already way too many built in rules favoring the quarterback and the passing game. No need to give them one more by allowing them to set screens for one another. Too slippery a slope.
Drive #4
| Play | Play Call | Result |
| #1 (1st and 10) | Run (Mendenhall) | 2 yards |
| #2 (2nd and 8) | Pass (Miller) | 6 yards |
| #3 (3rd and 2) | Pass (Ward) | Incomplete |
Analysis:Now, here's the first drive in the game where fans might question what Bruce Arians was thinking. At this point, the Steelers running game was neither dominant nor dormant. But as we all should know by now, Arians doesn't run the ball very frequently -read hardly ever - in 3rd and short situations.
Drive #5
| Play | Play Call | Result |
| #1 (1st and 10) | Run (Mendenhall) | -2 yards |
| #2 (2nd and 12) | Pass (Miller) | 7 yards |
| #3 (3rd and 5) | Pass (Moore) | Incomplete |
Analysis: Again, the Steelers tried to run the ball, but a -2 yard play on 1st down put them behind the 8 ball. The Steelers have actually been very good in 3rd and 5 type situations, so what can you say when a pass to Mewelde Moore goes incomplete? Not much. Remember though, that 2nd down play - the pass to Heath Miller for 7 yards - is exactly the type of play that is more or less a 'running play'. Big Ben's completion rate to Heath Miller is ridiculously high - near 90 % - so it makes perfect sense to throw to him there on 2nd and 12.
Drive #6
| Play | Play Call | Result |
| #1 (1st and 10) | Pass (Holmes) | 14 yards |
| #2 (1st and 10) | Pass (Wallace) | Incomplete |
| #3 (2nd and 10) | Pass (Miller) | 9 yards |
| #4 (3rd and 1) | Run (Moore) | 6 yards |
| #5 (1st and 10) | Pass (Holmes) | Incomplete |
| #6 (2nd and 10) | Pass (Wallace) | 22 yards |
| #7 (1st and 10) | Pass (Spiked ball) | Incomplete |
| #8 (2nd and 10) | Pass (Wallace) | 40 yards (TD!) |
Analysis: Okay, we're in the 2 minute drill here, so not many opportunities to run the ball. Thank goodness for our explosive aerial attack and veteran quarterback though. It was important I thought to get points and some momentum here before halftime, as much of the 1st half had been unproductive for the offense as they felt their way around what Minnesota was trying to do defensively.
Drive #7
| Play | Play Call | Result |
| #1 (1st and 10) | Run (Mendenhall) | 16 yards |
| #2 (1st and 10) | Run (Wallace) | 6 yards (+15 yard penalty) |
| #3 (1st and 10) | Run (Mendenhall) | 9 yards |
| #4 (2nd and 1) | Run (Mendenhall) | No gain |
| #5 (3rd and 1) | Run (Roethlisberger) | 2 yards |
| #6 (1st and 8) | Pass (Holmes) | Incomplete |
| #7 (2nd and 8) | Run (Roethlisberger) | -1 yards |
| #8 (3rd and 9) | Pass (Ward) | Incomplete |
Analysis: A nice opening drive to the 2nd half for the Steelers, catalyzed by the running game. The Steelers weren't able to punch the ball in to the end zone after breaching the Vikings red zone, but I don't see how you can complain that they didn't go to the running game enough or failed to try to establish Mendenhall early and often after intermission. A field goal by Jeff Reed put the Steelers ahead 13-7.
Drive #8
| Play | Play Call | Result |
| #1 (1st and 10) | Run (Holmes) | 1 yard |
| #2 (2nd and 9) | Pass (Miller) | 7 yards |
| #3 (3rd and 2) | Pass (Holmes) | Incomplete |
Analysis: This is really the only place where fans could legitimately argue that the Steelers should have tried to run the ball a bit more. With the defense just having stuffed the Vikings at the goal line and in need of a breather, it was unfortunate that the Steelers offense was sent back to the sidelines after just three plays. Again though, those short little passes to Heath Miller for 5-7 yards are very much like running plays in this offense. That said, a run on 3rd down to Mendenhall might have been a better call than passing there.
Drive #9
| Play | Play Call | Result |
| #1 (1st and 10) | Run (Mendenhall) | 17 yards |
| #2 (1st and 10) | Pass (Mendenhall) | Incomplete |
| #3 (2nd and 10) | Run (Mendenhall) | 5 yards |
| #4 (3rd and 5) | Pass (Holmes) | 45 yards |
| #5 (1st and 10) | Run (Mendenhall) | 5 yards (Fumble) |
Analysis: Okay, what's the complaint here. Bruce Arians dialed up the run here and it was effective. The problem of course was Mendenhall fumbled inside the 5 yard line. It was the second week in a row he's coughed it up. Not good. But again, no legitimate gripes with a lack of running plays being called.
Drive #10
| Play | Play Call | Result |
| #1 (1st and 10) | Pass (Miller) | 3 yards |
| #2 (2nd and 7) | Run (Moore) | 4 yards |
| #3 (3rd and 3) | No play | 5 yards (penalty) |
| #4 (1st and 10) | Run (Moore) | 6 yards |
| #5 (2nd and 4) | Run (Moore) | -2 yards |
| #6 (3rd and 6) | Pass | Sacked -10 yards |
Analysis: What do you want here? The Steelers ran the ball up 20-17 trying to milk the clock and hold on to the lead. The running game was doing just fine, but on that -2 yard run by Moore, he did a poor job of trying to dance outside rather than just plunging ahead for no gain or perhaps 1 yard. I still think we would have thrown on 3rd and 3 or 4 because that's what Arians tends to do. And we've been remarkably successful in those situations. But again, a very appropriate blend of runs and passes for this situation. And if you're wondering why Mendenhall only got 10 carries, well he would have gotten a few more if he hadn't fumbled on the Steelers previous possession.
Conclusion
There you have it, 10 drives total for the game. Only four in the second half thanks to Brett Favre and the Vikings being on the field for much of the 2nd half. If you look at the context and flow of the game, you can quickly see that the game dictated how many carries Mendenhall got. Could he have maybe gotten 3 or 4 more carries somewhere along the way? Sure. But to just bark 'He needs 20 carries a game, minimum NO EXCUSES' is just random barking without even turning one's mind on to think about how the game unfolded. This offense will continue to need to evolve as it incorporates our talented 2nd year running back more and more. But it's still going to be a pass-first team for the most part and that's just fine. Look around the league at the best teams out there. All are pass first teams. That's the way this league is now. Anyway, nothing to complain about yesterday in terms of the play calling. Minnesota played a very nice game defensively and then played ball control with their offense for much of the 2nd half. A tough, hard fought win by the Steelers.
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Funny thing with stats
After the game I thought they should have ran it more.
After reading this it looks as if only 3 more carries probably would have been more enough.
Tough for a team/coach to live up to the analisys week in and week out.
I still would have liked to have ran those 3 more plays though.
failed 3rd down conversions affects how much you run
convert a couple of 3rd downs and we’d have had more chance to run. dropped passes, bad throw etc. drove down time of possesion and number of plays.
Cheers, -Dave The state of your life is nothing more than a reflection of your state of mind. --Dr. Wayne W. Dyer
Awesome Analysis Blitz!
You’re right. Could they have sprinkled a couple more runs in with the passing? Sure. But the game dictated much of the play calling. Especially in the second half when the Steelers did not have the ball. I love the running game but agree that you can’t force feed anything. That’s what had me frustrated by those wanting to change the offense to get Limas Sweed the ball to “build confidence.” Still not sold on BA play calling prowess. Those “couple” more runs could have made for an easier victory.
Where I do fault BA is on that very first drive. Mendenhall rips off a 14 yard gain on the very first play. It’s time to set the tone of the following 59 minutes. Give it to Mendenhall again. Smash Mouth! Instead they get cute and lose 8 yards. The Steelers dictated their own fate right out of the gate on that drive. Then they never looked like they had a coherent plan. Later in the game (drive 7?) run plays won consecutive 1st downs but BA failed to stick with what was working.
Otherwise I thought the offense looked explosive at times but unable to close the deal in the red zone. Seems like in the post Bettis/Whiz world BA still searches for answers at the goal line. Glad they have Big Ben to improvise.
When You Run The Ball Good Things Happen
While I mostly agree
It’s good to mix up your play calling. It’s good to put another team on their heels.
by SteelerBuddha on Oct 27, 2009 12:40 PM EDT up reply actions
We played a great defense.
So our offense didn’t look pretty, but I thought Mendenhall ran fine when he held onto the ball. He had more big gains then Peterson did i think. Part of the problem was the coverage, which after the Ravens game, were playing like beasts. Our D held the Vikings to 10 points and scored 14. Even if Brett Favre worked his magic late in the game, our D capitalized on the few mistakes their offense gave up (mixed with our incredible talent as well, causing the mistakes) which is what they did CONSISTENTLY all last season as well. But I digress.
The running game was NOT the problem. The problem was the passing game being grounded, which didn’t get their D to back up any for the run. I guarantee if Roethlisberger throws for 250-300 that game, Mendenhall breaks 100.
Bravo Blitz
Great analysis of how the game ebb-and-flow dictated a lot of the playcalling.
The only criticism I want to make on Arians was that, from my memory and not having watched the game again, is that the game plan seemed to involve a lot more 2 WR formations instead of the 3 WR formations that clearly is the base Steelers formation. Even on some of those 3rd and shorts we did not have 3 WR’s in, which to me came as a surprise, considering that teh Vikes where without their top CB.
All in all, it is refreshing to have watched the game and know that the Steelers still have that which is required to win close games. We’re in fo a nice ride the rest f thw way.
It all starts in the trenches.
by The_Nation_in_Mexico on Oct 26, 2009 6:22 PM EDT reply actions
interesting point
my somewhat faulty memory seems to remember at least a couple sets with ben flanked by two RBs (or a TE and an RB) – I guess BA wanted them in for pass pro in case of a blitz, with the option for one or both to go out and catch a pass? Probably talking out of my hind end though, will need to go back and re-watch the game.
Absolutely
That was about as max protect as I can recall over the last few years. Many more 2 wideout sets that we’re used to seeing these days, mostly due to the extra body in the backfield. Seemed to be Miller/Johnson, Miller/Mendy/ or some combination of two standing with Ben.
It’s pretty glaring after a game like this, to see how much we rely on those formation with 3 on the one side and 1 on the opposite island, and how effective they are week in and week out.
Probably pre-game film caused max protect.
I would imagine that pre-game film caused the TE and RB in the backfield for protection. I imagine that with Allen rushing, and all the hype and pre-game fame he has, that the OC decided to leave someone back most of the time. I think the OL did a fantastic job. I was quite pleased. While it is true that game situations caused fewer runs than most Stiller fans would like, I think that second and ten should rarely be a running play. I do think that 2nd and ten after an incomplete pass is a horrible play to run in the middle. That is the most predicted play with BA that I have found. Anyway, play calling was not causing me as much angst as when Chan Gailey was calling the shots…
Agreed
Can’t blame the coaches for Mendy’s fumble, and that was on really the best drive of the second half. If Rashard wants the carries, he needs to hold onto the ball, not drop it on the way to the ground. And, that fumble began the two long drives where the Vikes controlled the clock for so long (leading to Steelers scores, though).
For ideas on statistical analyses, email me at wolfpacksteelersfan@gmail.com.
by WolfpackSteelersFan on Oct 26, 2009 6:22 PM EDT reply actions
Run. Run. Pass. Run. Run Pass. Run. Run. Pass. No?
" I’m glad we play Pitt twice, and not Tenn this year." - Salty Browns Fan.
Why pay a QB 100 Mill. if you're only gonna pass every 3 plays?
I wasn’t pleased because we didn’t win - Mike Tomlin (after the 2009 week 2 loss to Chicago).
balance
just because Ben signed a 100m contract doesn’t mean we have to pass the ball as much as possible. we had some blocking schemes working to spring mendy and achieving a balanced attack makes our 100m qb even more effective. Besides the vike’s focus was shutting down our passing game and for the most part, they did. Couldn’t shut the whole offense down though.
Were you responding to me?
I was just joking because that used to be Cowher’s offense or so it seemed sometimes.
" I’m glad we play Pitt twice, and not Tenn this year." - Salty Browns Fan.
by John Stephens on Oct 26, 2009 8:11 PM EDT up reply actions
you’re right. That was Cowhers offense until the second half. If we had a lead it was: run, run, run, punt
Re Cowher's Offense
With an 11 point lead the Steelers were something like 110-1-1 under “Cowher’s Offense” He may have only won one Lombardi but he sure put us in position several times to get one…
When You Run The Ball Good Things Happen
We ran the ball better than the Vikings
And if we had more possessions on offense it would’ve showed in the stat column.
anyone remember how the Broncos beat us in the 2nd half of the 1997 afc championship
as i recall we were right in it, until the Broncos pounded us when they refused to pass on a drive and just ran and ran until they got the touchdown and never looked back after that. So i don’t think run, run, run, run, and run some more is a bad offensive formula, it was how John Elway finally got his ring after failing so many times before, and it’s one of the reasons why the Steelers are the winningest team since the merger, running the ball effectively and frequently is definitely a key to success
i have no problem with passing or running the ball on 3rd and 2
2 yards is hard to get on 3rd downs because the defense is mostly lined up to stop the run, so a pass play is not a bad call, however they should run the ball every now and then because the Steelers has mostly passed on 3rd and 2 and they’re becoming predictable, the other team’s are becoming well aware of this, maybe they should have a run formation on 3rd and 2, that way they can either pass or run when they want to. 3rd and 1 is a completely different situation, if the Steelers can’t get a yard with their running game or from their big quarterback on a sneak, then they have issues
maybe they should have a run formation on 3rd and 2, that way they can either pass or run when they want to
We might start seeing that now that we have Johnson and Heath. Spaeth’s no threat to block anybody, so with these guys and Hines, we would have 3 receiving threats out of a heavy running formation.
For ideas on statistical analyses, email me at wolfpacksteelersfan@gmail.com.
by WolfpackSteelersFan on Oct 26, 2009 9:06 PM EDT reply actions
On a non-sequitur note...
Had anyone been over to Mile High Report? Man, are they ever cock-sure about their new-found awesomeness. Geez.
Over here, everyone is cool and analytical, dissecting formations and such. Over there, they’ve practically popping corks. Superlatives fail in describing the Broncos awesomely awesome awesomeness! I might actually root for the Ravens. Sheesh!
You mean they haven’t won since stomping on the Terrible Towel…
" I’m glad we play Pitt twice, and not Tenn this year." - Salty Browns Fan.
by John Stephens on Oct 27, 2009 9:41 AM EDT up reply actions
Drive 7 and Drive 8
Drive 7, Steelers have first and 8 and second and 8, both passes that resulted in -1 yards. What’s wrong with giving the ball to Mendenhall there? Then, as you noted, Drive 8, a bad set of down altogther.
On another note, let’s be honest about Mendenhall. His fumble against Cleveland was questionable at best. The one against the vikes will be a learning experience. But, nobody on this board can doubt he is our best running back. I love MeMo, but he is a 3rd down bank. Period. He lost yards Sunday at a crucial spot in the game by trying to do too much. In my book, I go with the back that’s averaging better than a first down per every 2 carries. Fumbles become a big deal when everybody focuses on them. Give the kid a break, what’s our alternative, “Fast” Willie? Get real, he looks alot like LT. His prime has come and gone.
Hear, hear
He is indeed our best back, and if he wants that “closer” role, then he has to earn it by having a couple of game without a fumble, and if you are in MT’s shoes, it is impossible to not focus on it.
We are starting to see why the coaches and FO where elated to have him “land” on the 23rd spot of last years draft
It all starts in the trenches.
by The_Nation_in_Mexico on Oct 26, 2009 11:22 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Tomlin is trying to teach Mendenhall a lesson
In both of his fumbles, against the Browns and against the Vikings, Mendy was carrying the ball in one hand even as contact was imminent. Against the Vikings, he launched himself into the air knowing that he would hit either a defender or the ground hard, yet he still had only one hand on the ball. Furthermore, in both games, the Steelers were trying to protect a lead in the fourth quarter. He has to learn that, in those situations, ball security is paramount and he need to wrap both arms around the ball.
No question that Mendy is a better RB than Moore, but Tomlin is going to keep benching Mendy until he starts protecting the ball better. It isn’t about who is the best running back today; it is about building a running back we can count on in the future.
by Steelin on Oct 27, 2009 11:24 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
QB Option
Since the Steelers are having so many problems converting 3rd and 2’s, why don’t they dial up the old QB option like they used to back in the day when Ben would roll out and have the option of passing or running HIMSELF! We don’t need to give Mendenhall or Willie more touches; Ben can do it himself. The prime example of this was 3rd down of the first drive in the second half. Ben sits back in the pocket and tries to squeeze a pass to Hines, inches off the ground. Meanwhile, cameras clearly show that Ben could have easily scrambled to his left and ran for 5 yards before contacting a defensive player. If Ben is going to be accurately compared to Elway, then he’s going to have to show some of the scrambling ability Elway exhibited when he needed to keep drives alive.
very good break down.
probably took a lot of time to put together. thanks
That was my comment
and it was clearly out of frustration and not just because of the MN game solely. It was a combination of games. Thanks for the beak down of the game but I disagree with the debunking part. That didn’t debunk anything. One play here and there can completely change the so called eb and flow of a game. The Steelers had a total of what? 20 running plays? Three of which were by WR’s and two by the QB….I don’t call those running plays in the traditional sense. Basicly the Steelers handed the ball of to the RB’s 15 times. The Vikings were playing catch up and yet they still ran the ball more than the Steelers did. If this happend JUST in this game alone you wouldn’t hear me griping about the lack of the running game. It is not just in this game….this is happening in just about every game they are playing this year. That is why teams like the Lions are hanging around….it’s why the Bengals came back on us and the Bears too for that matter. Yippee the passing game is GREAT!!! There is a consequence to that passing game being so great…..a great passing game means more pressure on the defense……more time on the field for them. It doesn’t have to be this way. The Steelers are good enough to get a more balanced attack going. Can you imagine how good the Steelers would be if we did balance it out more? How about this? Tomlin’s new offense for 2 1/2 quarters and Cower’s offense for the final quarter and a half? That’s what I’d love to see. Great passing teams almost always end up biting it in the end…..there are exceptions of course. If you want to truly demoralize a defense….run it down their throat for 80 yards. Once you do that, the defense knows they are in for it.
by baabaablacksheep on Oct 27, 2009 3:44 AM EDT reply actions
Bill Cowher's offense (misnomer) won one SuperBowl in 15 years...
And Mike Tomlin’s offense (misnomer) has won one in three years.
Let the coaches coach, they’re paid to do it. If our front office and ownership feel his coaching isn’t up to grade, they’ll fire him. (They know winning when they see it, and Coach T wins.) Then Blacksheep, you can apply for the head coaching position, and they’ll promptly shred your resume.
Unless of course you are Bill Cowher, in which case, your post makes perfect sense, and I’ll humbly apologize.
'I’ve learned to become a flat-liner. There’s a lot out there that’ll make your heart jump if you allow it."
-Coach Tomlin
by NYSteelersFan4 on Oct 27, 2009 10:50 AM EDT up reply actions
I'm not applying
to be the coach. I’m blogging. So, you’re just basicly saying don’t complain about anything, right? Just be a sounding board for everything positive? If I complain about the running game then I’m somehow applying to be coach of the Steelers? Interesting. Anyway…..You’re right…..Bill Cowher’s offense won one Super Bowl in 15 years……what else did it do? Is that all? How many Super Bowls did his offense go too? How many AFC Championships did his offense go too? How many division titles did Bill Cower’s offense win? Mike Tomlin won the Super Bowl…..I’m glad….but he did it with Bill’s team. When Bill took over the Steelers they were an old shell of a team just hanging on. Tomlin got a Ferrari handed to him. Not Tomlin’s fault but let’s not compare apples to grapes.
by baabaablacksheep on Oct 27, 2009 11:34 AM EDT up reply actions
No...
You’re still allowed to say what you want here within reason, I wasn’t trying to shut you up and never said you’re not allowed to complain, please don’t infer anything more from what was said, then what was said. I do, however, feel the complaint was unwarranted. It’s week 7, we’re 5 and 2 (despite injuries) and we’re still getting better each week. We just beat an undefeated team that has the best RB in the game, a good QB playing great this year, and a damn good run D. We had a 30/ 20 split in playcalling, which against a run D that good, with a pass D that porous, seems like a good ratio, and it won the game. It’s all about W’s in my book.
Some of what you’ve said does have merit, I will give you that. I came across brash, and I apologize, I try not to be, it was an illfated attempt at humor. We should run a bit more than we do at the end of the game, when it is usefull. I’m simply saying that we don’t have the info the coaches do, and they are paid to gameplan, we are not. You saying that running the ball would be more effective is just as accurate as saying throwing the ball would work more. We don’t know either is true. The coaching staff is running the ball as much as they feel is appropriate, and as much as they feel is needed to be effective on both sides of the ball, and they’re winning. Let the coaches coach.
I was more responding to this comment:
How about this? Tomlin’s new offense for 2 1/2 quarters and Cower’s offense for the final quarter and a half? That’s what I’d love to see.
If you were the coach of a team, and you were having success and have proven to be successful so far early on in your career, and someone came to you and said, you know what, I know what your doing is working, but the last guy that was here did it this way, (and the last guy had equivilent or in some cases less success than you have had thus far), would you not find that laughable, if not offensive? I’m all for taking lessons from the past, and Tomlin has done that himself, but let him coach, he’s good at it.
'I’ve learned to become a flat-liner. There’s a lot out there that’ll make your heart jump if you allow it."
-Coach Tomlin
by NYSteelersFan4 on Oct 27, 2009 12:23 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
one problem with this analysis. . .
a football game is a dynamic process . . . the logic here seems to assume that the plays (and even the drives) are independent of each other . . . a successful (and consistent!) running game can fatigue a defense much more than passing does (see the bettis, franco years) . . . the consistent threat of the run may bring the safeties closer to the line; opening up the possibility of a big passing play (the wallace td in the first half was more of a defensive breakdown) . . . also, passing often results in the steelers’ defense spending too much time on the field, resulting in their own fatigue (see the points given up in the fourth quarter this year) . . . having said that, the i don’t feel the stteelers have come close to playing their best football this year . . . and they are still 5-2! . . . not bad . . . i do miss the “imposing their will” days though . . .
a) We have neither a Franco nor a Bettis on the roster.
b) We no longer have a front line that can impose their will.
What you write is true. The pass opens up the run. But it also works the other way around. One could easily argue that the reason why Mendy ran as well as he did was because we let Ben throw the ball.
oh . . . i know!!
there is no one near the hall of fame class of franco and bettis on the current steelers roster (we’ll have to wait about 7 years to judge rashard) . . . i just tossed those guys/eras in to support my points . . . admittedly, hyperbolic examples . . . it will be interesting to see how arian’s game planning evolves when the snow/sleet/wind/rain, etc rolls into pittsburgh . . .
another factor here
is who is calling the plays. i have read numerous times now about how ben has more freedom to make some of his own play calls through the course of the game, especially in the no-huddle situations, but also when he reads a defense and audibles to something else. i would be interested to see a comparison of the plays arians would have called with the ones that actually happened. i have a feeling – and its totally a guess here – that the coordinator would have dialed up a few more running plays than big ben did. i could be wrong, but it’s just something else to think about when you start criticizing bruce arians for not running more, especially when you are just talking about 3-4 more times per game.
...die trying
http://www.agentorangerecords.blogspot.com
why didn't we throw more?
Just asking, but given what the Ravens did the week before, why wasn’t Ben able to throw more, esp with Winfield out? Or did the Vikes set up to stop the (long) pass?
Was traveling & didn't watch the game
But read on our site here that we had a lot of two reciever formations. I suppose for added pass blocking and with the thought the ViQueens secondary was so woeful it could be exploited with just two WR.
by steelerstyle on Oct 27, 2009 9:09 AM EDT up reply actions
I also
thought the steelers would pass more. Didn’t really test the secondary.
You could see favre and the vikings oc really picking on the weakest link the steeler secondary (gay).
When one team dominates the time of possession, there is less chances for playcalling in general.
But, what ABOUT Gay?
I have not rewatched the game. DVR was getting full, erased it. But, through recollection, I remember being pleased with Gay’s work. They tried to pick on him, but I can only recall two bad coverages by him. I remember being pleased at his progress so quickly this year. Am I faulty in my memory?
Football is a dynamic process.
Running can set up the pass as is our traditional SteelerStyle. But also passing can set up the run. Which is what our talent is set up to do. It iswhat it is!
What I don’t understand is why Miller doesn’t get a bunch of his passes on first downs.
Especially later in games. The O would have a lot of second & 5 or LESS. A couple mediocre running plays gets a first down with time running off the clock.
Good Job Blitz!
Thanks for the time you spend every Sunday breaking down post-game video but I have to slightly disagree.
The Vikes were in cover two for most of the game. Their intention was to take Tone and Hines out of the game, which they did for the most part. The way to beat a cover 2 is to run the ball and force a safety in the box. That’s how we’ve always owned the Bucs and that Tampa 2 which the Viking defense is based on. The difference is that the Vikes have a stout D-line that can keep people from running up the gut. So they play coverage and dare you to beat them running. We had little success running between the tackles, most of Mendy’s good runs were to the outside. We needed to see more outside running to keep the safeties honest. You can’t deny that with a 6.9 ypc stat you need to keep Mendy running.
Possess the #$%$#%^ football
1. when you run the O-Line punishes the D
2. when you run you shorten the game. fewer possessions for the other team means fewer chances to score
3. when you run you keep their D on the field. wearing them down so that running gets easier as the game progresses
4. when you run you keep their O off the field. Watching adrian Peterson drink gatorade is a lot easier than tackling him
4. when you run the ball you keep their O off the field. Keeping them from establishing any rhythm or confidence. there is nothing more delating to a team than to have their offense go three and out after giving up an 8 minute TD.
Watching Ben throw and scramble is exciting but, with few exceptions, the teams holding the Lombardi up in February are the teams that can run and possess the football.
But not
When you run three times and punt.
Nothing kills the clock like first downs — however you get them…
+1
This is the most sensible point in this thread IMO. Offense is about moving the chains and scoring. We do this by being a passing team first and mixing in the run. Both can be effective. Every Steelers TD this year has been on drives of more than 60 yards (strangely, even the defensive TDs are more than 60 yards). Those long drives kill the clock, change the game, wear out the defense. The few opportunities the offense has had with short fields, they screw things up. It’s as though they don’t like things being too easy. Mark, I like your other point about Ben using his legs more often to get first downs. Ben trusts his legs to get out of trouble, but overall both he and Arians don’t take get the most out of his legs by design or when opportunity presents itself. The offensive game plan was to attack the edges of the d-line with the run and it was effective. But you can also attack the edges of the d-line with the passing game by rolling out, giving Ben a clearer view downfield and forcing zone defenders to adjust the angles of their coverage on the move. We have veteran receivers who are know exactly what to do when Ben is moving around. It also makes it easier for Ben to find the first-down stripe with his legs if necessary. There have been some successful plays this year with Ben rolling out (even on the goal line) and I thought there were opportunities to do that again vs. Minny. Sometimes even Ben forgets he is a great football player, not just an excellent passer.
by steeler.lifer on Oct 27, 2009 6:00 PM EDT up reply actions
I Always Say
when you run the ball, good things happen.
And to the pundits barking about run, run, punt…what we are talking about is running the ball EFFECTIVELY. Not running Willie Parker into a stacked line for a half yard three times. Obviously 8 men in the box = throw it. But, when you see how effective the run game was on first down you have to question why they took 8 yard sacks on some first downs after big runs. IMO BA is still riding the short bus most Sundays.
When You Run The Ball Good Things Happen
good points dadolex
Except for your last one about who’s holding the trophy at the end.
Let’s look at the past Champions this decade:
2000 – Baltimore (5th ranked rushing offense)
2001 – New England (13th)
2002 – Tampa Bay (23rd)
2003 – New England (27th)
2004 – New England (7th)
2005 – Pittbsurgh (5th)
2006 – Indianapolis (18th)
2007 – New York (4th)
2008 – Pittsburgh (23rd)
So, there’s some examples of teams that were great on the ground, but it’s largely been teams with dynamic passing attacks that have won Super Bowls. Obviously New England in 2007 was right there at the end too. Anyway, it’s just a bit of a myth that ball control teams win championships.
Freel free to email me anytime at behindthesteelcurtain@gmail.com with questions, suggestions, complaints, etc, or to just say what's up. -Michael Bean (Blitz)
by Michael Bean on Oct 27, 2009 6:20 PM EDT up reply actions
Ball control, smash mouth teams used to win more, but even most of those teams had dynamic passing games to attack downfield (see 70’s Steelers and 90’s Cowboys). But, these days, the rules continue to adjust so much to favor the passing game, that run first teams can’t contend on a regular basis. Even in past eras, run first teams without great passing threats, such as the Earl Campbell Oilers or the Ground Chuck Seahawks, have struggled to win SBs.
For ideas on statistical analyses, email me at wolfpacksteelersfan@gmail.com.
by WolfpackSteelersFan on Oct 28, 2009 2:01 PM EDT up reply actions
My only complaint
is Drive #8. On third and 2, when Ben rolls out and has five yards of open grass in front of him, he needs to run to the marker and hook slide. As you pointed out, Blitz, the defense had just made that great goal line stand and was tired.
I am convinced this is what lead to Minn moving so easily on their next drives. You cannot ask our Defense to play balls out for the whole game. They need the Offense to move the chains to be effective.
Ben is a smart quarterback, but he needs to start taking his defense into account when he makes some decisions… yes, giving the ball to Santonio in space is usually a better play than having Big Ben lumbering forward… but not this time. Get the sure first down, reset, and let your defense rest.
But I don’t put that on BA. Ben chose not to run, not BA.
I questioned that play too. I thought 7 could have gotten 2. He may have seen the LB bearing down on him and he didn’t want to take the hit. It was a tough throw but 7 could have made that throw.
And you are correct, it was not BAs call to not run for the sticks. The play BA called was a pass and no one was apparently open. BA leaves a ton to be desired with his short yardage play calling.
When You Run The Ball Good Things Happen
Draw and Play Action
I would like to see more of the above, especially after Mendenhall runs for more than 5 yards.
The Draw... (sort of like the death of the counter)
Having been a huge fan of CN, I love the counter and the draw play. However, with the game today, it is quite difficult to run those. Defenses are SO quick and linebackers reach things SO much faster than they used to in the early 70’s that those two plays are getting close to obsolete. Not as much the draw, but the counter for sure. A draw can be effective if your O-L can open the middle, but never if your TE or your WR is on a slant. The LBs are just too quick.
how about the game in cincy
in that game, i remember people complaining that “we are trying to eat up clock, running in every first down, rather than finishing the game with passing”.
my take is, there are good arguments for the run, and good arguments for pass. some fans want to see more “smashmouth” football, and some fans (like in the case i described above) want to see the prolific passing game getting more snaps to “put away teams”. it’s basically a simple trade-off. so, no matter what the coach does, statistically, there will be always someone who’ll say “we should’ve used 3-5 more snaps for the run/pass”.
bottom line, as somebody said, 30/20 split against a team with premium rush-defense and a poor pass-defense makes perfect sense. BA is fine.
Blitz, how about something examining the special teams?
I think anyone that follows football regularly knows that you can’t run the football if you don’t have the football. The Vikings had the ball pretty much the whole second half, so that is why the Steelers didn’t run it more.
Now for the special teams. I truly believe that the problems on the kickoff returns isn’t a schematic thing. You just need more people out there who are willing to bust some heads and make a tackle. It’s a personnel thing. I really believe a big help is sitting right there on our practice squad, LB Donovan Woods. He played lights out on specials teams during the preseason. I would definitely add him to the roster.
Next, S/CB Roy Lewis is still on Seattle’s practice squad. He looked good on special teams as well. Bring him back into the field. That means that two roster spots would have to be open. I would cut K. Ratliff and A. Harrison. And if you want to keep one of the two, then I’d release Carey Davis. And considering that Davis played decent on special teams this past year, if he’s going to remain on the roster, why not give him a hat on gameday to play special teams.
So, in a nutshell, I believe that having a healthy LB Andre Frazier, along with adding D. Woods and Roy Lewis back to the roster, will greatly improve our special teams.
As far as kickoff returns, I think we are fine with Stefan Logan. Even on punt returns, I would continue to use him. Now, if the playoffs starts, and our punt return game still sucks, then I might consider putting Holmes back there. I still believe that if Logan gets better blocking, that he’ll put up the numbers and take a couple of returns back this year.
Failed to run the ball enough? Are you kidding?
If the Steelers had run it any more (with Mendenhall), you would think they were trying to lose. What’s to debunk?
I'm more than a little late to this, but I need some 'splaining
I really thought that first TD that was called back because of Miller inadvertently running into a viking defender was the most absurd call of the game. I can see if it were intentional, but it really looked like a bad call to me. I’m not sure of the rationale behind it.
Second thing, I hated the way Holmes ran with the ball right before the Mendenhall fumble. Holmes was running the way 4th graders do: ball way out at his fingertips, not tight and controlled. I swear he was going to be stripped any second. Bloody miracle it didnt happen, but I guess Mendenhall had to be the one to cvogh it up.
Also, we need a BTSC injury report. I was so pumped in the game, I think I pulled something in my left shoulder. Been sore since, and I can’t lift it above shoulder level yet. Good thing we have a bye week to recover.
Speaking of injuries, anyone know if that ref is done for the season? That was a brutal hit. Also was amazed at AP’s running down Gay like a freight train hitting a yugo. Credit to Gay for at least trying though. I never really saw AP play much in the past- the guy really is an all around great RB. Imagine if he was a steeler…. he plays like one for sure.
Heath Miller PI call...
You mention in your post that it happened away from the intended play, so it should not be called. It is my understanding that OFFENSIVE pass interference, unlike DEFENSIVE pass interference, does not require that the PI occur where the ball is thrown. Rather, all offensive receivers must avoid PI from the moment of the snap. If you want to contest the call, I believe you have to claim that it was incidental contact of feet so it wasn’t PI…
read again
Not what I wrote at all – I said it was a good call. I mentioned it was away from the play, but that doesnt mean I was arguing for it to have not been called. I said setting screens is too slippery a slope to let occur. Too many rules favoring the passing game.
Freel free to email me anytime at behindthesteelcurtain@gmail.com with questions, suggestions, complaints, etc, or to just say what's up. -Michael Bean (Blitz)
by Michael Bean on Oct 30, 2009 4:04 AM EDT up reply actions
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