Steelers Want Roethlisberger For Life, Look To Get Him Big Target

"We've got to have Ben (Roethlisberger) retire as a Steeler. There's no doubt about that."

Those were the words of Pittsburgh Steelers president Art Rooney II last month when talking about a contract extension for quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. He said that he wants the franchise quarterback to finish his career where he started it.

Fast forward to Wednesday of this week and General Manager Kevin Colbert mimicked that same sentiment during an interview on 93.7 The Fan.

“We all recognize we are very fortunate to have a franchise quarterback,” Colbert said. “He still has a lot of tread on the tires. We feel great about how last season finished and we hope to build on that. It’s unanimous we all want Ben to finish his career here.” - http://tinyurl.com/lho3xsf

To win in the NFL, you need some skill as well as some luck. To win consistently in today's NFL, as in three Super Bowl appearances and two wins in 10 years type of consistently, you need great quarterback play. And the Steelers have great quarterback play.

Last season, despite his horrendous start, ended up having a very good year. He ranked among the top NFL QBs (with a minimum 290 pass attempts) in QB Rating (92.0), touchdown passes (28), passing yards (4,261), completion percentage (64.2%) and in comp. pct. when under pressure (per Pro Football Focus).

Big Ben also played every snap in throwing for those yards while setting a Steelers record for completions in a season (375). He had a 2-to-1 TD/INT ratio and becoming the franchise's career leader in TD passes (219).

Since 2004, his rookie year, Big Ben also ranks fourth among QBs in the regular season with 95 wins (T.Brady-114, P.Manning-113, and D.Brees-100), and second in Super Bowl wins.

Naturally, then, they should and do want to extend him in order to keep him in town. The question is as to when as both Rooney II and Colbert have both been confident yet non-committal.

"When both sides are able to come together on an extension," Rooney II further said. "I don't know when that will be, but there's no doubt we look at Ben as somebody who's going to be here for the long term and hopefully five or more years."

In the meantime, what is known is that, according to Beaver County Times last week, WRs Markus Wheaton, Derek Moye and Justin Brown traveled to Irvine, CA to work with Big Ben.

"It was really about (Roethlisberger) getting a feel for some of us a little bit more," said Moye. This was also done in part because Emmanuel Sanders is not expected to return. - http://tinyurl.com/mng7ntk

As far as what is known that the Steelers as an organization is doing is that they are looking to do something else that will potentially please the franchise passer.

In an interview with Adam Lefkoe of the courier-journal.com, Gerry Dulac reiterated information that If It Ain't Steel had quoted him as saying before - that the Steelers will go after a big/big-play wide receiver early in May's NFL Draft. He elaborated on what he'd formerly said.

"I believe that they are going to target a tall wide receiver in the first round of the draft. .... I don't think there's any question, Adam, that one of the guys they've liked all along is Mike Evans from Texas A&M. He's...a former basketball player, big guy - 6'5", 225 pounds. Goes up and gets the ball, very athletic."

ASIDE: As the NFL Combine has begun its measurements of QBs and WRs, with the actual pageantry beginning this weekend, we now know that Evans is actually 6'4 5/8" and 231 pounds.

Dulac continued with the other WR that he believes the Steelers want to possibly get for Big Ben when he said, "It's hard not to like Sammy Watkins, the kid from Clemson.

As Dulac pointed out, Colbert saw the (currently) 6'1", 205-pound Watkins in person earlier this year and he believes that one of the two is at the top of the Steelers list.

"When Kevin Colbert talks about wide receivers, tall WRs, he talks about guys who can play big. But there's no question the Steelers wants to get a receiver who was tall enough that makes it easier for Ben Roethlisberger to complete passes to."

The only foreseeable problem with this is that I can't see either of those players still around at pick No. 15 where the Steelers sit. Nor will the Steelers reach. If they aren't available, there are several other big WRs who could be gotten between their first and second (46) picks.

Kelvin Benjamin, 6'5"/240 LBs, Florida State: 1st round - A rare combination of size (4% body fat) and speed - says he hopes to run a 4.3/40 at Combine on Sunday. A physical mismatch vs. defensive backs and linebackers. Very smooth with the media at the Combine podium. Says he's "gonna come work everyday." - http://t.co/PAYxJEGbGk

Strong, will go across the middle, great at catching jump-balls at apex (ask Auburn), superb body control, fluid, good separation speed, adjusts and tracks well over his shoulder, very good YAC, and does not go down easy. (Not that I've followed him or anything...)

Allen Robinson, 6'3"/210 LBs, Penn State: 1st-2nd round - 2012 and 2013 Big 10 Receiver of the Year. Third-team AP All-American. "Fluid and flexible athlete for his larger frame with room to get stronger. Deceiving acceleration with sharp cuts to be a dangerous catch-and-go pass catcher," per CBSSports.com

Jordan Matthews, 6'3"/205 LBs, Vanderbilt: 2nd round - Good size/speed combination along with very good his hand/eye coordination and body control. Has pedigree as well: is cousin of Jerry Rice.

More in the coming weeks.

A Look At Steelers Free Agents And Offseason Signees

by Jason and Jayden

UPDATED 1/4/14
The Pittsburgh Steelers have a lot of free agents to consider this offseason in preparation for their 2014 Training Camp and season. There are 21 names that need to be considered as we move toward the new NFL year.

Only a few, however, are going to be brought back because of various reasons. Whether because of Salary Cap restraints, contract demands or simply just a lack need, only a handful of them should be in a Steelers uniform next season.

On Tuesday, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette's Ed Bouchette gave his estimation of who may and may not be returning. - http://tinyurl.com/ke8t5bt

If It Ain't Steel lists our views on who will, who should and who won't, and then will discuss briefly the ones signed to Reserve/Futures contracts. So, without further ado:

WR Emmanuel Sanders - Manny is going to be considered one of the top unrestricted free agent wide receivers this offseason. That being the case, he likely will be playing elsewhere in 2014. Basically, consider him gone and look forward to the 2015 compensatory draft pick the Steelers will get for him.

LB Jason Worilds - This is a must. No matter how the LaMarr Woodley situation unfolds, the Steelers need to work hard at re-signing Worilds. We wrote in a previous piece how he will certainly receive offers from other teams and what the Steelers may need to do. The Steelers are bereft of depth at outside linebacker even with Jarvis Jones, who still needs time to maturate and improve.

WR Jerricho Cotchery - Cotch led the Steelers in 2013 in YAC and was the touchdown receptions leader. If Manny really is gone, re-signing Cotchery is imperative, possibly to a contract similar to his 2012 (2-year) deal. Cotch is money in the red zone and can be a coach on the field for Markus Wheaton and either Justin Brown or another draft pick. Cotch is still a solid No. 3 receiver for at least another year or two.

RB Jonathan Dwyer - All I hear when Dwyer carries the ball is "boom, boom, boom" as he bowls over defenders. Dwyer works hard now. He is always excited to play could likely be gotten for the minimum.

C/G Fernando Velasco - Velasco will be in rehab for his Achilles for a while. Hopefully, he is willing to play for veteran minimum next season, because the Steelers need to bring him back to either serve as backup to center Maurkice Pouncey, or even as starting center with Pouncey moving to guard.

FS Ryan Clark - “I’m playing,” RC25 said Sunday. “Where that’s going to be I’m not sure." Regarding for how much, he said the vet minimum, which will be $955,000 for a player of his 10+ years, isn't what he wants. "I think I’m worth more than that, and if they decide that I’m not then you have to understand that and you have to move on. I respect the business.” Well, the business side dictates that RC25 won't exactly be in high demand during free agency, and likely won't be re-signed until very late in the offseason. Would he be willing to take the vet minimum then? I personally love RC25, but he had the worst tackling season of his career and is likely going to be elsewhere next season. Or on tv. - http://tinyurl.com/n6cb82m

DE Brett Keisel - Because of his age and the miles the Diesel has hauled, Keisel isn't likely to receive attention during free agency. If the Steelers want him back, it will be in more of a mentor role. He would have to be signed for the vet minimum or maybe for a deal similar to what Larry Foote was signed for last year. That is unlikely, though, because we can't have another Aaron Smith problem, either.

DE Ziggy Hood - With Ziggy still being fairly young, and that he is a former first-round draft pick, he could draw attention in free agency. A 4-3 defensive team might consider him at defensive tackle, but we honestly believe the Steelers, because of their lack of depth on the defensive line, will try to bring him back for both defensive end and nose tackle positions. The money would have to work, though.

NT/DE Al Woods - We believe Woods will be back. The Steelers have a lot of time invested in him and, since he won't likely be in high demand in free agency, they should easily be able to get him back under contract for next season.

S Will Allen - We believe Allen should be back. He came back to the Steelers after being released by the Dallas Cowboys. The team has to get younger on defense, but he outplayed Shamarko Thomas and proved his worth. Thomas is the future and will get better, so 2014 might finally be it for one of Mike Tomlin's guys, but he should get that much.

LS Greg Warren - As we've said before, Warren makes more plays than you realize and shows no signs of slowing down. The Steelers should have no problem signing him to another one-year qualifying contract.

T/G Guy Whimper - We killed Whimper at the start of the preseason and season, but he got better. That said, the Steelers will be in no hurry to re-sign Whimper. Another vet minimum deal if that. But likely he'll go out with a...

C/G Cody Wallace - Wallace should get a camp invite and an opportunity to compete for a backup role.

RB LaRod Stephens-Howling - With Le'Veo Bell, Dwyer, and Will Johnson, the Steelers do lack some running back depth, but they don't either need to be in a hurry to re-sign LASH who is still rehabbing his knee. Time will tell on this one because he is versatile when healthy.

TE David Johnson - The best DJ can hope for is a training camp invite. Mediocre blocker and pass catcher. We wouldn't miss him.

RB Felix Jones - Thanks, Felix.

WR Plaxico Burress - No.

P Matt McBriar - The Steelers will want a veteran punter in camp, so maybe.

TE Michael Palmer - As The Doctor would say, "Geronimo!"

LB Stevenson Sylvester - Umm...no.

LB Jamaal Westerman - Actually has a chance to be among the outside linebacker bodies in Camp. But it's doubtful he makes it out of it.

C/G Eric Olsen - Who?

~

The Steelers sign seven players to reserve/futures contracts on Tuesday: RB Alvester Alexander, WR Justin Brown, G Bryant Browning, G Chris Hubbard, WR Kashif Moore, S Ross Ventrone and LB Kion Wilson.

All seven signees to reserve/futures contracts ended the season on Steelers practice squad and at least two - Alexander and Brown - have a chance to be at least there again in 2014.

UPDATE: The Steelers have signed UDFA punter Brad Wing out of LSU. He was an All-American in his freshman year and one of the best in college football three years in a row. He even allowed just 73 yards on punt returns the entire 2011 season. However, he wasn't selected in the 2013 NFL Draft due to off-the-field problems.

Steelers also signed long snapper Bryce Davis out of Central Oklahoma.

As noted above, bot McBriar and Warren are free agents.

End of Steelers Season Portends Potentially Positive Future For Offense

A 2-6 start and a 6-2 finish to the season. Offense starts to really assert itself, with the defense doing what it can to assure wins. A young and dynamic player, barely 26-years old, beraks records as the team looks forward to a promising upcoming season.

But, enough about 2006.

The Pittsburgh Steelers ended another decade of home victories over their longtime rivals, the Cleveland Browns, and their 2013 season with a 20-7 win. There was still a slight chance at that point that they could've made the playoffs, with the Baltimore Ravens and Miami Dolphins having lost and the San Diego Chargers still to play, but then the referees had something to say about it. - http://tinyurl.com/kesvw6h

Instead of a playoff berth, the Steelers end the season as in 2006 with losing key games early that derailed a great second half of the season.

Mark that: the refs are not to blame for the Steelers not making the playoffs. There is an old saying in football - "Never let the officials determine the outcome of the game."

In actuality, it's the Steelers themselves who are to blame. From Art Rooney II, to GM Kevin Colbert, to head coach Mike Tomlin, to quarterback Ben Roethlisberger and all the way down to Steely McBeam. (Alright, maybe not Steely.)

Early losses, starting 0-4 and 2-6, too many turnovers and too many big plays by the defense. Too many little things, too.

They say that football is a game of inches. That was never more apparently truthful than on Antonio Brown's half pitch-and-catch, half Hail Mary run up the sidelines to almost win the game against the Dolphins.

There were other little things, also. There was Isaac Redman's fumbled handoff near the goal line in their opening-day loss to the Titans. There was a key dropped pass in Cincinnati by tight end David Paulson. There were many overthrows by Big Ben that were off by inches against the Bears. And the team knows there was no sense losing against Oakland and Minnesota.

Big Ben was more inaccurate this season than people realize. Short passes and screens skew the actual completion percentage. Not to mention his plethora of turnovers - 20 and nearly half of them (nine) in the first four games alone.

Make no mistake, though, there were big plays too. A lot of them - 17 plays given up by the defense of 40 yards or more, including 11 of over 50 yards. Five of those those 17 plays, also, were runs and two of those were by quarterbacks.

Most all of this was early, though. The second half of the season was a smoother ride with only the Carolina Panthers (7-1) having a better second-half record than the Steelers (6-2):
It saw more points scored - 28.2 point average over the final nine games.
It saw a more efficient offense - 14-for-20 in the red zone in the final six games.
It saw fewer turnovers - from -11 in the first four games to +7 over the final eight.
It saw the defense tightening up on the big plays - no plays over 40 in the final six games and none over 50 in the final three.

In 2006, running back Willie Parker, who turned 26-years old during the season, broke the Steelers single-game rushing record, 218 yard by Frenchy Fuqua, when he ran for 223 yards against (guess who?) the Browns.

With his nine-reception, 87-yard effort today against the Browns, not-yet 26-year old wide receiver and team MVP Antonio Brown became the first player in NFL history to have at least five catches and 50 receiving yards in every regular season game.

Brown also broke Yancey Thigpen's single-season receiving yardage mark of 1398 by gaining a franchise-best 1499 yards. Though he finished the year with 110 receptions, that mark fell two shy of Hines Ward’s franchise-best 112 receptions. Still, Brown is just the second player in team history to break triple digits.

Tomlin referenced former outside linebacker James Harrison in his complementary acknowledgment of Brown's work ethic. Brown's season was the embodiment of consistency and something that Ben Roethlisberger has come to rely upon now. A level of trust and comfort that is somewhat unusual for a 5'10" wideout.

Brown also scored nine touchdowns (eight receptions and one punt return), answering the question as to where a loss scores would because of free agents lost. He deservedly earned his first trip to the Pro Bowl as a wide receiver this year. But he also made it this year as a punt returner, his second time doing so, making it the first time a Steelers player has been voted to the Pro Bowl at two positions since Rod Woodson (PR/RCB '89, '90).

There was talk recently about Brown's nomination as team MVP, claiming it should've gone to Big Ben who had a franchise record 375 completions, a 4,261-yard season, 2-to-1 TD/INT ratio and three more game-winning drives and/or fourth-quarter comeback.

We can see the arguments for a possible co-MVP award, but not for it clearly being Big Ben. In fact, there's no debate when considering, again, that he turned it over nine times leading almost single handedly to the team's 0-4 start.

Back to the receivers, the only issue now is a true No. 2 receiver, especially if Emmanuel Sanders leaves via free agency. Because of early offensive problems and hand injuries at two different points in the season, what the Steelers exactly have in Markus Wheaton isn't yet known. We saw flashes in preseason, but that was preseason.

The other wide receivers are Jerricho Cotchery, the Steelers leader in YAC and receiving touchdowns, and Derek Moye. Moye's size (6'5", 210lbs) is very attractive as a third down and red zone target if nothing else. Similar to that of practice squad rookie Justin Brown (6'3", 207lbs and a poor man's Keyshawn Johnson), whose chances to make the team increase if Manny does in fact leave.

With his total of 96 yards vs. the Browns (notice a trend developing here?), running back Le’Veon Bell finished his initial campaign with 1,259 yards from scrimmage - the most in Pittsburgh Steelers franchise history. He bettered the mark set by Franco Harris in 1972 when he gained 1,235 yards.

If you're saying to yourself, "But Bell had more games than Franco who did it in a 14-game season", you'd be wrong -  Bell missed the first three games of the season, meaning that he gained more yards than Franco did in one less game.

Bell rounded into a very good runner who is able to identify the open lane, and showed good hands (though, even by his own admission he dropped more than he should've) out of the backfield. His blocking was good and got better as the season went on as well - all things the Steelers saw in him and that If It Ain't Steel wrote about him coming out of college.

One of the things in particular we wrote about him was that his college career showed that he could run behind an offensive line that wasn't exactly "The Hogs." He was at home, then, in Pittsburgh.

The Steelers used nine different starters and between 12-16 different combinations of blockers this year, and it was hard for them to find stability between the injuries and ineffectiveness. But former seventh-rounder Kelvin Beachum, after second-rounder Mike Adams failed to hold him off, seemed to find himself the fixture at left tackle.

Right guard David DeCastro finally started playing up to his draft status as well, as the former first-rounder began road-running and mauling defenders. He looks to be the long-term anchor he was expected to be out of college.

The return of Pro Bowler Maurkice Pouncey and Fernando Velasco next season will present a good problem at center. Both can play center and guard and are interchangeable. Does Pouncey fit better at guard so as to concentrate on the opposing blocker and not the other assignments as well?

Even Marcus Gilbert solidified himself on the right tackle spot. He isn't exactly an All-Pro, but he holds his own in the run game and is surprisingly better in pass blocking. The opposite is the case with Ramon Foster. Don't be surprised to see the Steelers explore other options, even if only for competition and depth, in the May NFL Draft.

Regardless, their offensive line coach, Jack Bicknell, jr. - dealing with three centers and virtually countless rotations - looks like "Scotty" from Star Trek: the miracle worker. Should be a fixture in the Steel City for a long time.

But make no mistake, as we called them in a previous article, the Killa B's (Big Ben, Brown and Bell), barring contract/Salary Cap issues with Big Ben, are the key to the engine's offense moving forward and the brightest part of the immediate future.


UPDATE: Not more than 24 hours after we wrote this, Jack Bicknell, jr. was fired. The subject has since been covered in a subsequent piece.

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TIDBITS: Per the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review's Alan Robinson, @arobinson_Trib on Twitter, the Steelers-Ravens game on "Thanksgiving night was 8th highest-rated show of fall TV season, according to NBC. Bears-Steelers was No. 11."

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Highlights from Mike Tomlin's final Press Conference:
On the season: "I'm really proud of the guys, the way they improved and the way they stuck together in the midst of adversity." Tomlin said he wouldn't "speak too soon" on potential staff or roster changes, or on "some of the natural business that needs to transpire."

On the 0-4 start: "We need to insulate ourselves a little better (from injury). I could adjust a little bit better schematically."

On the KC/SD situation: "We didn't state a strong enough case. I'm not going to lose sleep over something that went on in a stadium we weren't in." Said he saw Chargers illegal formation on TV and has received "calls, texts, emails" from NFL about it. "It doesn't change what transpired."

On NFL officiating: "There's a lot of work that needs to be done. I look forward to being part of the process of helping it improve."

Steelers Face Browns In Season-Ending Game - Will Lightning Strike Twice?

The Pittsburgh Steelers will be going into the final weekend of the 2013 NFL regular season with one goal: beat the Cleveland Browns.

Not only because they are the Steelers' longtime rivals and they always want to beat them, but it's also imperative because it is the only part of the Steelers' immediate future that they themselves can actually control. With them needing three teams - the Ravens, Dolphins and Chargers - to lose, the thing that the Steelers must do first is take care of home.

Though they did just that back in Week 12, in a 27-11 win in Cleveland, it wasn't the most impressive of showings. Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger threw for only 217 yards, they only ran for a total of 88 yards as a team and Browns wide receiver Josh Gordon torched them for 237 yards and a touchdown.

The maturation of the Steelers' offense, though, has seen scoring come more easily lately. This could bode well for the Steelers as the Browns have given up an average of 29.6 points per game over the last three weeks, with them being 0-3 in that span.

During that same period, the Browns have given up an average of 5.23 yards per rush per team. Which is something that should put a smile on the face of Steelers running back Le'Veon Bell and of those on the Steelers offensive line.

As for the defense as a whole, though, the Browns are still formidable. They rank 10th in total defense in yards against, ninth in pass defense and have collected 39 sacks. The Steelers will need all hands on deck in pass blocking and the passing game.

That means that if Steelers' WR Emmanuel Sanders, who is listed as "Questionable" for Sunday's game, isn't able to go, or if rookie WR Markus Wheaton is still limited, as he was in practice, by his fractured finger, we may see Derek Moye take the field.

It could also mean more from tight ends Heath Miller and Matt Spaeth, utilizing Miller in bunch-receiver formations and Spaeth in more of a traditional blocker-receiver tight end role, along with WR Jericho Cotchery and especially team MVP and Pro Bowler Antonio Brown.

"He's exceeded expectations," Steelers offensive coordinator Todd Haley said of Brown. "{And} he's represented himself well as a No. 1 in this league." Haley also spoke on the situation with Manny and his "questionable" knee. - http://tinyurl.com/l28bvrg

Expect the Steelers to move Brown around in different formations to force the Browns to show their hands, allowing Big Ben to audible or check out of a pass into a run when applicable. Bell, who is recognizing his running lanes better now, runs very well out of a one-back set as it gives him a clean look at those lanes.

So, expect a lot of the Killa B's - Big Ben, Brown and Bell - early on to establish the offense, push them back on their heels and get on top allowing the defense to pin their ears back when they're on the field.

Speaking of the defense, Steelers DC Dick LeBeau says he 'expects to see Jason Campbell' at quarterback and that the Browns will likely use wildcat formations. - http://tinyurl.com/nxmct2s

Throwing for only one touchdown and four interceptions in the last two games he has played in means the Steelers will attack Campbell. The Steelers should attack with the zone blitz, confusing and hitting him causing him to press and throw when and where he doesn't want to, forcing the incompletions and turnovers of which Campbell is very capable.

One way to do this is to line up 2014 Pro Bowler Troy Polamalu in his pseudo-linebacker role to help Lawrence Timmons, Vince Williams, Jason Worilds and Jarvis Jones. They are essential in making Campbell as uncomfortable as possible because the Browns' running game has been suspect and they rely heavily on one person.

As stated earlier, Josh Gordon torched the Steelers for 237 receiving yards in their November meeting. Knowing his abilities, they don't want lightning to strike twice - "We need to stop him from catching it." - though, they may not have much say in the matter. - http://tinyurl.com/m2puepu

Gordon has been virtually scary in the last five weeks. Including the Steelers game, he has had 40 receptions for 813 yards, a 20.6 yard-per-catch clip. He is used in wildcat and/or stretch formations running the ball as the Browns are doing whatever they can to get him the ball.

Per Pro Football Focus, he is also third in the NFL in yards after the catch (YAC) with 629. To call him a formidable receiver is a gross understatement.

The key? "We need to stop him from catching it." Also, "the other team's quarterback must go down and he must go down hard." Plain and simple, hit Campbell early and often, force mistakes. 

As brought out earlier in the article, the Steelers had five sacks and a interception returned for a touchdown in the first meeting, and here, not with Gordon, is where they need lightning to strike twice.

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TIDBITS: Status report for Steelers vs Browns: LB Garvin is out; WR Sanders, OLB Worilds questionable. David DeCastro and everyone else is probable.

Worilds leads the Steelers in sacks (eight). Sanders is second on the team in targets (106), catches (65) and receiving yards (714). DDC, meanwhile, has started all but one game this season.

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Antonio Brown makes the Pro Bowl as both receiver and punt returner. Troy Polamalu makes it at strong safety.

What Is The Steelers Direction After Loss To Ravens?

“Have to clean up some things down there at the goal line. The run comes first. We'll fix that. Gotta get the run game going.” - Pittsburgh Steelers fullback Will Johnson

That will be more difficult if rookie running back Le'Veon Bell is out for an extended period, and, if so, greatly hinders any real playoff hopes.

In the Steelers 22-20 loss Thursday night to the rival Baltimore Ravens, Bell, who appeared to lose consciousness, fell backwards into the end zone for what was originally ruled a touchdown, but the rookie running back was ruled down just short of the end zone because his helmet came off before the ball broke the plane. - http://tinyurl.com/osvtasu

Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger hit wide receiver Jericho Cotchery on a quick slant for a 1-yard touchdown, but fellow receiver Emmanuel Sanders was unable to hang on to a potential game-tying two-point conversion pass on the next play.

“He (Sanders) had a corner just come into the game, so I went to him,” Big Ben said. “You get so close, but it's a tough team, tough environment, and I've got to make plays down the stretch.”

After the game, though, Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin after the game implied that Manny wasn't the primary target. It seems he was correct, or at least that Cotchery felt that way too. - http://tinyurl.com/nnm5eys

“I was open (on the two-point attempt), but a quarterback has a lot of decisions to make,” Cotchery said. “The touchdown (play) was going to be the 2-point play call, but we had to go with it.”

As for Bell, he got more than his rung and was promptly taken to the locker room and examined for a concussion. The Steelers haven't as of yet given an update in his status. But it would be a bad blow if they're forced to go without their leading rusher the final four games.

As the initial quote alluded to, getting the ground game going was and is important. Starting the game with five straight runs isn't exactly the way to do that, but that was done as part of a patient *ahem* gameplan due to the presence of Elvis Dumervil.

They were just starting to see Bell's potential and wanted also to establish his presence. Bell has rushed for 528 yards in nine games this season, had developed into a good every-down running back and a very good receiver out of the backfield (his 29-yard catch-and-run got the team to the Ravens 20-yard line on the near game-tying drive). His previous best game had been against the Ravens, and he then was repeating that against them again.

However, his wasn't the only injury sustained Thursday.

The Steelers team announced Saturday that center Fernando Velasco had been placed on injured reserve with an Achilles tendon injury. The 28-year old had stepped into the starting lineup after Maurkice Pouncey suffered ACL and MCL tears in the Steelers’ season-opening loss to the Titans.

Cody Wallace replaced him and finished out the game. Steelers also announced that they signed former Saints center/guard Eric Olsen and former Browns offensive tackle Rashad Butler. Wallace and Olsen are now the Steelers centers. 

Kelvin Beachum and Mike Adams were also hurt in the game. But Beachum won't likely be switched to center because the offensive line has been playing very well, better than they have in a long time, and cannot withstand any further shifts.

They also released cornerback DeMarcus Van Dyke.

But what does this mean for the rest of the season? How will the team react to losing the game and one or more players?

“I don't expect any quit,” a resolute Big Ben said after almost pulling off yet another fourth-quarter comeback. “We haven't quit to this point. I know what I'm going to do. I'm going to fight my butt off all the way to the end.”

The same should be expected from the rest of the team.

Though some teams might (and have in the past) tank the remaining games to better position themselves for a higher draft pick, the Steelers won't do that.

Big Ben has said more than once that he never wants to have a losing record. To this point in his career, he hasn't. Last season was his worst record as starting NFL QB to date, a record that may be duplicated this season.

Consider this: many veterans on the team have at least one Super Bowl ring. A few have two. Big Ben, Troy Polamalu, Brett Keisel and Ryan Clark have a lot of pride, and losing hurts. Being that several, including some of the above mentioned, won't be on the team next season, it is something that they are not used to and isn't how they want to end their stay.

But, while the Steelers could still reach a 9-7 record, wouldn't a 5-11 record be better come the last weekend in April?

Actually, there is little value in the Steelers tanking their remaining four games of the season to ensure such a final record as it would likely only result in a selection three or four picks higher. Because, if they set their sights on a particular player within their reach, say in the 14-to-18 range, moving up two or three spots wouldn't affect them.

Case in point, last year they wanted Jarvis Jones. Period. If the team had lost the last one or two games they would have has a higher draft pick, but they still would've selected Jones.

Also, draft position does not always equate to draft success. There are busts every year and surprises every year. Drafting is an inexact science and is a challenge for all NFL teams. All still must make the right selection if they are going to have any success.

Not only that, but losing games means potentially losing your job. That goes for the players and coaches alike, and we all know that the Rooneys are patient with their coaches. But that doesn't go for assistants as much as it does for head coaches.

Also, general manager Kevin Colbert may feel the pressure as well given the lack of production from recent draft classes. As a point of reference, no players remain on the roster from the 2008 draft class.

No, the Steelers won't fold, won't mail it in. Too much rides on their licking their wounds and finishing out their season on a positive note. Too much pride. While they may not dare to dream of a run reminiscent of the 2005 run, their sights are still set straight ahead.

Turnover-Free, Ball-Control Steelers Surging, Beat Browns 27-11

Remember the 1991 movie "Hook?" The Lost Boys are in obvious disbelief that the shadow-of-his-former-self Peter Banning that Tinkerbell has brought them is their Peter Pan. It wasn't until Pockets smoothed away the wrinkles and looked deeper that the real deal could be seen: "Oh, there you are, Peter!"

The first four weeks of the season were like Peter Banning -- 0-4, -11 in turnover ratio and in disarray on offense and defense.

Since then, the edges have been smoothed out, the team focused and galvanized and have turned around the turnovers. They're starting to look like a team who might just be a legitimate contender come playoff time.

But let's not get ahead of ourselves. Right?

"Can't," Roethlisberger said after being asked about playoff scenarios. "I'm not looking around. It's all about focusing on one game because that's all we can control, you know?"

For the most part, the Steelers have done just that and have shown a resilience in the past few weeks that has brought them back to, not just respectability, but a team with which to be reckoned.

They are +7 in turnover ratio in the last three weeks, are creating turnovers and controlling the ball, are protecting quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (just one sack in two weeks and none Sunday) and at least are running the ball effectively (80 yards on 23 rushes for Le'Veon Bell). Just as we said in the pre-game piece, turnovers were key. - http://ifitaintsteel.blogspot.com/2013/11/roethlisberger-turnovers-will-be-key-to.html

They also have become very comfortable with Todd Haley's offense and are incorporating the no-huddle efficiently if not impressively.

"I think it’s growing on this team, I think it's growing on the city of Pittsburgh. I think everyone likes it," wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders said of the no-huddle. "We've got one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL. He can throw. Why not use him? He likes it, it's been successful."

"We said coming [into the first] series 'no-huddle', but think all runs," Big Ben said. "Even on third down, run it. Even on the second series."

It worked yet again, but not just there. The Steelers No. 1 wide receiver, Antonio Brown, was again one of the stars of the game partly because of it. His anticipated matchup with the Browns cornerback Joe Haden was advantage: Brown. AB caught six balls for 92 yards, including a 41-yard touchdown pass.

After the game, Joe Haden was classy and succinct when speaking on allowing the score: “That’s a good receiver, a good quarterback, making a good play. I’m saying I got beat.”

In all, AB has posted at least five receptions in 11 straight games this season, which is a franchise record, and is only the fourth wide receiver in Steelers history with an 80-reception season (Hines Ward - 2001-04, '08-09; Yancey Thigpen - 1995; and John Stallworth - 1984).

The defense, though giving up 367 total yards and 237 receiving yards to Josh Gordon (most of which coming because of being down most of the game and Ike Taylor more-or-less giving up late), was viciously reminiscent of Steelers defenses of the past recording five sacks, nine quarterback hurries, four quarterback hits, forced and recovered three fumbles and had one partridge-in-a-pear-tree pick six. The wealth was spread evenly as well.

Cornerback William Gay notched the pick six, as well as a strip sack of Browns quarterback Jason Campbell, which led to a touchdown. Troy Polamalu forced a fumble (he has two on the day) and the Steelers' recovery led to a field goal. The Steelers sack attack of Browns' quarterbacks Campbell and Brandon Weeden were led by Al Woods' two sacks and by outside linebacker Jason Worilds' six QB pressures.

"I just enjoy being out there. Being out there consistently," said Worilds. It allows me to open up some of the things I do."

You want to be playing your best football in November and December. Though the pass defense is still a concern, the Steelers definitely are an improving football team.

It couldn't come at a better time, either, as the next two weeks are critical to the team's, dare we say, playoff hopes. They have the Baltimore Ravens on Thanksgiving night, and in two weeks they host the Miami Dolphins.

Or as Sanders said following the game, "Right now we’re playing playoff football."

Oh, there you are, Steelers.

~

TIDBITS: Injuries: Steve McLendon (ankle) and Curtis Brown (knee); post-game press conference and highlights of the win - http://www.steelers.com/news/article-1/Coach-Tomlin-Post-Game-at-Browns/16a544ce-8bf2-4927-a1e9-ddbaae58f1b9

Focused Roethlisberger Transforms Deficit Into Comeback Win For Steelers, 37-27

The next in the Transformers movie franchise won't be out until 2014, but for one Sunday in Pittsburgh in 2013, one thing was made clear: Bumblebee was greater than Megatron.

After a week of controversy regarding the franchise quarterback being unhappy with the team and that he'll demand a trade, which he vehemently denied, Ben Roethlisberger came out focused and lead the Pittsburgh Steelers to just their fourth win of the season.

"False and false," Big Ben said regarding whether money and multiple losses will cause him to want out sooner rather than later. "I don't want to go anywhere for any reason."

Thank you, Ian Rapoport. If It Ain't Steel wrote about the trade talk nearly two weeks ago when this first started surfacing. - http://ifitaintsteel.blogspot.com/2013/11/addressing-trade-ben-roethlisberger.html

Big Ben used the rumors as motivation to focus him. His ability to pick apart the Detroit Lions secondary was evident right away as he went 5-for-5 with a 34-yard touchdown to his No. 1 wide receiver Antonio Brown, and was 2-for-2 on third downs on the first offensive possession - the first time all season they scored a touchdown on their opening drive. He then finished the first quarter going 7-for-8 for 121 yards and two touchdowns. That's a perfect 158.3 passer rating.

The determined quarterback was sharp all day completing 29 of 45 passes for 367 yards, with four touchdowns and no interceptions, finishing with a 119.4 QB rating. The Steelers are 49-4 when he surpasses 100.0 in passer rating.

The two-touchdown lead quickly dissipated, though, as Lions' QB Matthew Stafford threw for 327 and two touchdowns, mostly in the second quarter. His first-half 114.2 QB rating was mainly because of Megatron.

The Lions' All-Pro wide receiver Calvin Johnson, nicknamed "Megatron", had 163 of his 179 receiving yards and five of his six receptions in a resurgent second quarter. Johnson also saw six of his 10 targets in that quarter, with the Lions looking as if they were going to run away with the game.

Amazingly, the Lions never even threw a pass to Megatron in the third quarter and only two more targets the rest of the game. Stafford also threw for only 35 yards in the second half, finishing with a QB rating of 74.7.

The Steelers players, offensively and defensively, praised Big Ben for his play, with wide receiver Jerricho Cotchery saying pointedly that he "came here to play with (Ben), he has a lot of respect from the league and is a top-flight quarterback." - http://tinyurl.com/kuhxqhm

Also worthy of praise was Brown who finished with 147 receiving yards and two touchdowns on seven receptions, and was the Steelers Digest Player of the Week.

Brown, probably hearing about Megatron all week, wanted it known that he's the NFL leader in receptions for a reason. Brown now has 74 catches for 952 yards through 10 weeks, both numbers are 2nd best all time in Steelers history (Hines Ward - '02 76 catches; Buddy Dial - '63 961 yards).

The defense also deserved a lot of credit. After surrendering 27 points in the second quarter and 379 yards in the first half, the Steelers stiffened allowing a total of only 72 yards the rest of the game, thanks in part to changing from a majority of Cover-3 defense to a Cover-2 with a man under.

Ike Taylor deserves much of this praise as he had a better second-half than any other cornerback has had against Megatron, completely shutting him out. - http://tinyurl.com/l5uefye

But the main praise goes to the franchise QB who never faltered. But if Johnson is Megatron, then Big Ben was Optimus Prime this day. Even faced with a fourth-quarter deficit and 97 yards, after a questionable fake field goal failure, Optimus led them the length of the field for the go-ahead touchdown. The Steelers never looked back. 

The win pulled the Steelers within one game of the final Wild Card playoff spot. Not that we're looking that far ahead because too much needs to be done. It's one game at a time for sure. 

But if this team can be more consistent and put together more games like they did on Sunday, there could be more than meets the eye. 

UPDATE: The aforementioned performance and 97-yard drive earned Big Ben a Fed Ex Air Player of the Week nomination. Vote for him here! - http://www.nfl.com/voting/players-air-and-ground/2013/REG/11

~

TIDBITS: After already playing without Ramon Foster, LaMarr Woodley and Brett Keisel, the Steelers faced injuries in the game. Most notably, Emmanuel Sanders left the game with a right foot injury. It will be evaluated Monday. Also, Stevenson Sylvester sustained a hamstring injury. The rest, as coach Tomlin said, were "normal bumps and bruises." - http://tinyurl.com/lp7gasp

Update: Manny didn't need an MRI and should be fine for Sunday, as should Foster, Woodley and Keisel.

~

Big Ben improved to 17-2 against the NFC at home. In those 17 wins he has thrown just 4 Interceptions versus 8 in the two losses.

~

It has been a rough two weeks for us, but we should be regular again now. Thanks for sticking by us. 

Steelers Get Purple Hearts As They Notch 2nd Straight Win

courtesy of Billy Hartford

"What I'm most proud of is it was a team win. All three phases did something to contribute positively today. How it has to be." - Brett Keisel

The veteran defensive end was correct as the Pittsburgh Steelers had their first complete game of the season en route to a 19-16 over the hated Baltimore Ravens.

Le'Veon Bell, Lawrence Timmons and finally Shaun Suisham ran, tackled and kicked the Steelers to something Steelers' fans haven't seen yet this season - a winning streak.

Break up the Steelers!

They're actually looking now like the team we expected from the beginning of the season. The running game is finally looking like something worthy of the team that leads the entire NFL since the 1970 merger. The Steelers ran for 141 yards, which was the first time they went over 100 yards as a team since November 18, 2012 - against the Ravens.

Bell himself shown great patience and vision in running for 93 yards on just 19 carries, averaging 4.9 yards per carry. With doing so against the seventh-ranked run defense going into the game, Bell was assuredly pleased with his performance. Right?

"I'll go to a C-," Bell said laughingly, referencing the "D" he gave himself last week. - http://tinyurl.com/kv6xwte

The humble young running back received slightly higher praise from his teammates and coach.

"He did a great job! You know, he was patient when he needed to be, physical when he needed to be. He used his speed...I thought that he did a great job today," quarterback Ben Roethlisberger said. "He's got that patience, he's a good runner and he knows his surroundings.” - http://tinyurl.com/kns6p9l

Head coach Mike Tomlin looked a bit miffed that neither of the first two questions at his post-game press conference were about his running back.

"Any questions about Le'Veon Bell today? No?" Tomlin quipped. - http://tinyurl.com/lwxpxvn

Bell was who Tomlin wanted out of college and was practically glowing when talking about him back in April. Tomlin even went to Bell's defense during his weekly press conference last week after the running back came under criticism. Bell has finally now shown what Tomlin, and those few of us who had knowledge of him in college, knew he could do.

In averaging 4.9 YPC, 12 of Bell's 19 carries today went for four yards or more. Only two carries went for zero yards or less. Also, 62 of Bell's 93 yards came on first down.

The Steelers much-maligned offensive line opened holes and got push for the Steelers and Bell, but also in protecting Big Ben who played a turnover-free game and directed the game-winning drive. Point blank, the Steelers were simply the more physical team Sunday. Both on offense and defense.

The blitzes, the multiple looks, the push from the interior of the defensive line, Troy Polamalu lining up everywhere, LaMarr Woodley, who recorded another sack, and Jason Worilds bringing pressure on Joe Flacco and stuffing running backs, Cortez Allen being brought off of the slot on a run blitz throughout the game, William Gay providing good coverage...this was swarming Steelers defense.

But the one who should receive the most praise was inside  linebacker Lawrence Timmons who had a career-high tying 17 tackles. Not bringing any undue attention to himself, he summed up the overall performance succinctly, ultimately giving credit to the coaches.

"It's the Baltimore Ravens," he said. It's a defensive player's type of game....They're passing more because Flacco throws a great deep ball. The run-and-gun coaches prepped us well."

But, even with all provided by the aforementioned players, it came down to kicker Shaun Suisham.

Big Ben marched the Steelers downfield, after Emmanuel Sanders was one heel away from taking a kickoff all the way, to get into Sushi's range. As always, Sushi was as cool as a Canadian autumn as split the uprights for the last-second win.

Are the Steelers enjoying this? Are they exhaling?

"{No.} We're still a 2-4 football team," Sanders said, "{but} we're pointed in right direction."


Several quotes from Ken Laird of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review.

~

TIDBITS: The only significant injury was Marcus Gilbert's deep quadriceps bruise. Brett Keisel's ribs were of the "minor bumps and bruises" category. 

~

Ben Roethlisberger is 10-4 in his career vs. the Ravens (including playoffs), and ties Peyton Manning for most wins vs Ravens by starting quarterback.

~

John Harbaugh on the onside kick: "We were struggling to get possessions and get our offense on the field. We needed a TD either way to tie or win."

"A guy offsides when we do a surprise onside kick...that's the part that ticks me off more than anything"

Harbaugh on Dumervil's face-mask of Big Ben: "You can't grab it but Ben ducks all the time. Biggest, strongest QB in the NFL. Have to wrap strong."

Harbaugh on the Steelers run offense: "Credit to them. Good job of scheming. The wildcat...extra OLinemen...give them credit."

~

"@MarkKaboly_Trib: David DeCastro is quickly turning into one of the best guards in the AFC."

~

Sunday was the fourth consecutive Steelers-Ravens game that was decided by three points.

Steelers Elemental Wide Receivers Needed Against Ravens

Before the season ever began, If It Ain't Steel stated that Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin's  reestablishing control, an iron fist when dealing with the team if you will, would be welcomed if not essential.

He must have been paying attention.

Last week, Tomlin banned games in the locker room, now he has banned somersaults into the end zone. We always want to bring you the most accurate and up-to-date information, and this is no different. In doing so, we were able to be privy to what Tomlin told the team.

'Put that ping-pong down! Ping-pong's for winners only....Oh, have I got your attention now? Good. 'Cause we're changing a little something with end zone celebrations, too - no more flipping.' -- http://youtu.be/8kZg_ALxEz0

Ok, that wasn't actually Tomlin, but the sentiment is the same - no more games. It's nothing personal, it's strictly business. And two of the most important matters of business are the maturation of Le'Veon Bell and the continued development of the mercurial corps of wide receivers.

As far as Bell is concerned, Tomlin had high praise for him in his weekly press conference on Tuesday, saying that he Bell "ran well."

"I thought he did a great job of picking vision and putting the ball where it was supposed to be and running with the type of demeanor that we desire," Tomlin said. - http://tinyurl.com/k3dwvr6

Bell only ran for 34 yards on 16 rushes, but he set up brilliantly the team's lone touchdown of the day.

After running for seven yards on first down and two on second down, he helped quarterback Ben Roethlisberger pull off a textbook play action pass which resulted in a 55-yard touchdown pass to Emmanuel Sanders.

That said, the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review's Mark Kaboly made some salient points about his game when he tweeted that "Bell needs to make decision quicker and hit it; needs to realize he's not going outrun (for the most part) defenders to the outside."

"Bell just 2 games into career. He'll get better real quick....Le'Veon Bell," he continued, "has all the talent in world, but has to make better decisions and has to get accustomed to NFL game. It will come."

That it will.

Nonetheless, the Steelers will be facing their arch rivals the Baltimore Ravens who, despite the Packers' Eddie Lacy’s 120-yard performance last week, are still stopping the run. They currently rank seventh in the NFL in fewest yards per game and sixth in yards per carry.

So, if the Steelers continue to abandon the outside zone, at which Bell could very well excel, the short-passing game could help set up the run and the deep game.

Whether in the short game or via the long ball, the Steelers wide receivers were key again Sunday in the Jets victory and will continue to be Sunday afternoon.

This is nothing new as the offense, good or bad, has gone through them. Each of the main four wide receivers brings a little something different to the table that adds to the whole. Think of them as the four needed elements - Earth, Wind, Water and Fire - that contribute to our daily life.

Earth - Jerricho Cotchery:
Grounded, mature, seasoned and dependable. Over half of his career NFL touchdowns have come in the red zone. The elder statesman of the corps, and a rock steady contributor: he has the highest yards-per-catch average of the four.

Wind - Markus Wheaton:
This analogy is appropriate in more ways than one. Yes, he's very fast and can blow(ITALICS) past defenders, as we saw in the preseason. Also, though, he has barely been seen on the field - invisible, as it were, like the wind. Hopefully, as soon as his finger heals, only the former analogy will apply.

Water - Emmanuel Sanders:
The most polished of the corps. We have even referred to him in the past as "the future Hines Ward" because of his skill set, including his very good blocking ability. He can play both outside and in the slot and is a very fluid receiver...like water.

Fire - Antonio Brown:
Brown is becoming one of the hottest receivers in the league. He is second rated receiver in the NFL and also ranks second in receptions for first downs (27). His mercurial nature and sudden nature make him hard to catch, and also has the breakaway ability to burn defenders downfield.

The Ravens pass defense is ranked 16th in the NFL and their secondary has been susceptible to the big play at times.

If the Steelers receivers can get separation, it opens the door for them to be able to control the game in their favor. Add a seething quarterback who has lost his previous two games to them and it could be a recipe for victory.

~

TIDBITS: Steelers Injury Report: LB Jarvis Jones (head) did not practice Wednesday; Marcus Gilbert, Brett Keisel, Heath Miller and LaMarr Woodley were limited. Sean Spence has begun to practice again, albeit on a limited basis. The Steelers have 3 weeks to IR him again or to add him to the 53-man roster.

~

"Mike Tomlin is absolutely correct. It's dangerous, but it is something I have been doing since I was young ... I felt at that moment ... at that time, it was something I needed to do." -- Emmanuel Sanders

When asked what he has in store for his next TD celebration, Steelers WR Emmanuel Sanders said: "Not a flip." - Mark Kaboly

Steelers Get Much Needed Win, Now Must Get Back To Work

"A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step." - Lao-tzu

The Pittsburgh Steelers did something they hadn't done in the previous eight games - they won.

Now the work begins.

After an ignominious start - left tackle Levi Brown tore his triceps muscle in pre-game warmups (I don't know, don't ask), and Kelvin Beachum's game looked as if it had been also - the defense kept the team in the game until the offense settled down. They expiated for a listless performance in the London loss to the Vikings where they missed 17 tackles. 

In doing so, they improved defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau's record against rookie quarterbacks to 16-2.

They also allowed the team as a whole to do things that led to the win.  Things that they can use to build momentum. Like head coach Mike Tomlin said in his post-game conference, "hopefully, it's a spring board of things to come." - http://tinyurl.com/kkno8cp

• Shaun Suisham's 48-yard field goal with :45 to go in the 1st half marked the largest lead the Steelers have had this season - Sushi is 42 of his last 43 inside 50 yards.

• After leading 9-6 at half and the offensive line actually giving Ben Roethlisberger some semblance of a pocket, Emmanuel Sanders victimized (as we said could happen with the receivers) cornerback Antonio Cromartie for a 55-yard touchdown pass from Big Ben - the longest of Manny's career.

• What did If It Ain't Steel say would happen if they could sustain a lead? With just under eight minutes to go in the 3rd quarter, the Steelers finally got a takeaway when safety Ryan Clark intercepted rookie QB Geno Smith at the 1-yard line - one of two on the day, the second by Lawrence Timmons.

• The win made the Steelers the first AFC team and only the fourth team in NFL history to reach 600 franchise wins (including the postseason).

• The win took the Steelers to an NFL best 146-2-1 (since 1992) when posting a lead of 11 or more points.

• On a more personal note, wide receiver Antonio Brown tied the club record receptions over a three-game stretch with 30 (he tied someone named after the stadium I think. "Heinz Ward" or something like that. Anyone know the guy?).

• Coach Tomlin improved to 18-6 in the month of October.

But...all this is now in the past. The Steelers still have MUCH work to do.

There are still OLine issues, especially now when considering Levi Brown's injury. They are really limited now when it comes to protecting Big Ben's blind side.

Though the effort and the blocking were there, the running game is still limited. That, however, was somewhat expected considering the Jets went into the game only allowing 76 yards per game. Still, the more efficient the running game, the better the passing game will be.

Speaking of which, Big Ben had a great game going 23-30 for 264 yards and a touchdown. More importantly, he had no turnovers.

The entire offense finally stopped being so charitable and, on top of that, the defense finally got greedy. More of each is needed. A lot more.

It's good to get the win, and they should enjoy that win. Today. Tomorrow is the next step in the journey back to respectability. A step that begins against the Baltimore Ravens. 'Nuff said.


Stats provided by Bob Labriola of Steelers Digest and Steelers PR guy Burt Lauten

The Steelers and Ben Roethlisberger: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly

                        by Jayden Matthews (@JadyGirl7)

Wow! It amazes me that some people still have the audacity to blame Pittsburgh Steelers offensive coordinator Todd Haley after what happened Sunday night in their 40-23 loss.

Just to clarify: HALEY IS NOT THE QUARTERBACK WHO COMMITTED FOUR TURNOVERS ALL BY HIMSELF. Nor is he the running back that coughed the ball up early in the second half. 

But, before I go any further, I want something clearly understood: anyone that follows If It Ain't Steel and reads us regularly knows that we love Ben Roethlisberger and have defended him a lot. But the big guy is making that hard right now with how he has been playing of late. 

Instead of looking like the elite quarterback we know him to be, Sunday night Big Ben was a turnover machine boarding on Jamarcus Russell status. Is it the offensive lines fault? Somewhat, but not completely.  

So, for Big Ben as well as the rest of the Steelers "performance" Sunday night, here is what we are going to call the Good, the Bad and the Ugly.

The Good:

Big Ben threw for 406 yards and two touchdowns and was mainly responsible for the Steelers having a total of 11 splash/explosive plays (20 yards or more) Sunday night. They accounted for 271 of Big Ben's total passing yards.  

Jonathan Dwyer and Felix Jones brought some life back to the running game. The sad thing is that we have seen so little of it that when Jones broke for a 10-yard gain for a first down, the cheer from the crowd was so loud you would have thought they scored a touchdown. 

The player of the game was wide receiver Antonio Brown. He showed Sunday night that he may just be a No. 1 receiver after all. He showed he can come up in the clutch by making a leaping catch in double coverage in the back of the end zone, and then a one-handed grab which was his second touchdown of the night. AB had Steelers fans dancing with him as he showed that the Steelers do have a deep threat. 

Though, fans are still saying the team still needs erstwhile receiver Mike Wallace. Really? We maintain, as we always have, that they don’t and that the touchdowns will come for AB, and they sure did Sunday night. He finished the night with 9 catches for 196 yards and 2 touchdowns. AB leads the AFC in receiving yards (324), leads AFC receivers with 16 receptions for first downs and is the fourth leading receiver in entire NFL. 

Jerricho Cotchrey had a good game as well, bouncing back from last week. His main highlight being his fight for a first down.  

Heath Miller, Big Ben's safety valve and last season' steam MVP, made Ben and the other tight ends look better. Heath also got the loudest ovation of the night when his name was announced at the start of the game. 

The offensive line, or as I call them, "The Boobs", did have their moments. Right tackle Marcus Gilbert  did not play as badly as it first seemed, it's hard to believe that Fernando Velasco was on the scrap heap just three weeks ago and Kelvin Beachum continued his valuable play.

The defense played solidly overall. After the 55-yard run by Matt Forte early in the game, the defense held him 32 yards the rest of the game. The defensive line played very well yet again, including getting a sack from Brett Keisel. LaMarr Woodley also got a sack (2/54) putting him ahead of Greg Lloyd (53.5) for seventh all-time on the Steelers sack list. 

The Bad and The Ugly:

Big Ben had four turnovers as was said earlier. They weren't pretty, either. Listen, I know Big Ben hasn’t had the best protection, but he needs to realize that sometimes it is better to take the sack then to turn the ball over when in scoring position. He simply needs to protect the ball better. It could even be said that Ben hasn't been the same since his return from his injury last season. 

For instance, the interception last year at Dallas that put the Cowboys in scoring position, leading to their win. The pick six against the Cincinnati Bengals that cost them a trip to the playoffs. He had one against the Browns as well, though that one ended up not mattering. In total, he alone has committed more than 10 turnovers in his last seven games, including eight interceptions.

The sloppy play has spilled over into this season. Big Ben has had at least one INT in every game they have played so far, all of which changed the momentum of the game. Clean that up and they very well could be at 3-0 vs. 0-3. 

I know I'm not the only one who realizes this. But, hey, let’s ignore the facts and just blame Haley. 

The running backs couldn’t help with blocks and Jones coughed the ball up. They need to protect the ball better, and, along with that, help protect Big Ben by picking up the blitzes. 

Emmanuel Sanders has missed some key catches, though he has been overthrown also. The Ben-to-Manny deep-pass project needs to be shelved for right now. They have yet to connect as, again, Ben has often overthrown him. But even if Ben had hit him, Manny can’t seem to get separation. 

Keep in mind also that if Manny catches that first long pass against the Titans, the injury to Maurkice Pouncey may have been averted, because the chain of events that followed it would've changed.  

Uglier still, Markus Wheaton saw approximately 10 snaps the entire game. 

Heath Miller clearly isn't 100% yet.

The Boobs weren't very perky overall. There were lineup changes and on-the-fly experiments that didn't settle matters. They just looked bad as an entire unit at times, as well as individually. Only the Cleveland Browns (11-44) have a worse third-down conversion rate than the Steelers (10-36).  

Mike Adams in particular was bad, really bad. Overpowered at times, clueless at others. So clueless that if he went bobbin' in a barrel of boobs, he'd still come out suckin' his thumb.

The defense can't tackle well right now. That's basic fundamentals and can be rectified. But Ryan Clark isn't playing like a team captain and Jarvis Jones can't seem to get to the quarterback. 

But, I'm sure that's Haley's fault too. 

The ugliest, though, was Isaac Redman. He missed key blocks Sunday night, one of which caused a turnover. 

Redman needs to go. His time is up in the Steel City. Dwyer proved that they cut the wrong guy in the first place. He is a waste of roster space and, with the return of second-round draft pick Le'Veon Bell set for the trip to London, Redman is expendable. 

But, all this having been considered, determining what's wrong with Big Ben and eliminating the turnovers is paramount. So much hinges on his ability to weather the storm in front of him. But, his and the team's turnovers simply must stop.  

Not one of which, by the way, being committed by Haley. 

Rebuilding Mode: What Seven Factors Can Fix The Steelers? (None are "Fire Haley")

Usually, when Steeler Nation makes a 'stairway to seven' reference, it is for another desired Super Bowl win. Unfortunately, though, with the season starting the way it has, it now more accurately applies to the things needed to get out of the rut they're in currently. 

The Pittsburgh Steelers find themselves in a real quandary. It's obvious that this team has many issues and that they are in a rebuilding transition. Basically, they're in a fix.

The problems that plagued the second half of the 2012 season have crept into the 2013 season as well. Injuries, miscues, turnovers and lack of turnovers on defense are ubiquitous. Players simply aren't making plays when they absolutely need to make them, and, worse yet, they're pressing to try to make them.

"I think you heard that a lot on the sidelines, 'Let's go make a play'" said safety Ryan Clark. "When it used to be, 'Let's just go play. We can't start pressing to do things because of what's on the scoreboard." 

Such "pressing" has been seen on both sides of the ball. Maybe most evident being the interception thrown by quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. When trying to make a play downfield, his pass to wide receiver Jerricho Cotchery was high and behind him. It was essentially what iced the game for the Bengals.

What the Steelers wanted to do on offense was seemingly at odds with the play-calling, personnel and/or formations, also, though. To say they were out of sync offensively is blatantly stating the obvious. But something else stands out.

Over the course of his career, Big Ben has proven to be very good on third down, but not so far this season. Especially when facing third downs of over nine yards (9.08 to be exact) on average needed amongst the 12 third downs Monday night. Could that be related to sub-par play on first and second downs?

"Easily. Easily that’s scenario," said head coach Mike Tomlin "If you just took a snap shot of the third down opportunities in the game, third-and-eight, third-and-nine, third-and-10, globally speaking, you’re not going to convert a lot of those or not going to convert those at the type of rate that’s going to allow you to be successful." 

With all of this said, we have touched on most all of the seven things necessary to turn the team around enough to salvage the season. Let's begin with...

A LESS OFFENSIVE LINE -

The big uglies (which is a much nicer epithet than the "boobs" as Jayden calls them) actually played better Monday night. 

Right tackle Marcus Gilbert allowed an early sack, then allowed only one more quarterback pressure the entire game. Left tackle Mike Adams, though he allowed five QB pressures, didn't give up a sack. 

Fernando Velasco played at high level despite having one week of practice to get to know the terminology. Continue on this continuity curve and they could just be a formidable unit in weeks to come. 

DEFENSE NEEDS TO MAKE PLAYS -

This is basically self explanatory. The defense played well Monday, but not well enough. Sacks and turnovers continue to elude this team. 

LaMarr Woodley was fairly disruptive, Lawrence Timmons was Lawrence Timmons, Ziggy Hood, Steve McLendon and Cameron Heyward played strongly and Jarvis Jones had double the snaps of Jason Worilds. Jones is proving, via defense as well as special teams, that he should be on the field most of the time.

Despite this, more is needed. The defensive line had the majority of the QB pressures for the second time. There was pressure, but none turned into sacks. There was a strip-sack/forced fumble that was called an incomplete pass (another call the referees missed), but it wasn't challenged by the coaching staff. 

These need to be turned around in order to get off the field more often and into the hands of Big Ben so that he can run...

THE NO-HUDDLE OFFENSE -

Now, I realize that you can't run it all the time because the no-huddle playbook is limited right now. But, once more of their key personnel are available they'll be able to open things up more. This is where Big Ben can be...well, Big Ben.

Big Ben loves the no-huddle and the offense has looked better this season when running it. While it was supposed to be highly utilized last season and wasn't, this year the Steelers actually look like an NFL team when running it.

Against the Tennessee Titans, the Steelers scored their only touchdown from the no-huddle, and sustained three drives Monday night when in fastbreak mode. Since Big Ben is the best player on the Steelers offense, the ball should be in his hands as much as possible. i.e. the no-huddle offense. Employing it should be coupled with...

A QUICK-STRIKE PASSING GAME -

Having wide receivers like Antonio "The Energizer Bunny" Brown and Emmanuel Sanders, dictates that you mix up the patterns to match their skill sets. Either can play outside or in the slot. Both are fast - 4.5/40 and 4.4/40 respectively - and both are small-ish at around only six feet tall. 

A short, quick passing game within the no-huddle simply works to their advantage. They have shown that they can make plays underneath and in crossing patterns, and are at their best after the catch. Once they do that, they should then...

PLAY MARKUS WHEATON -

Markus Wheaton is fast. He can also play outside or in the slot, and his quickness is sudden and blatant. We saw flashes of it in the preseason and that skill set, that approach to danger, is one of the things missing from the offense right now. 

His speed (officially 4.45/40, but also ran an unofficial 4.34/40) isn't quite that of another MW of note, but he still has speed to burn. A track star in high school, he won 400- and 800-meter races at junior national track meets before also performing well in state high school meets.

Wheaton may not duplicate 39 passes for 756 yards and six touchdowns, but his ability to stretch the field has already been seen and Big Ben (and Tomlin) has said that we'll "start to see him getting in more this week." That element would then allow them to...

LET THE PASS SET UP THE RUN -

There's an old NFL saying, "the run sets up the pass." But, I'll never forget an NFL Films program where an NFL old-timer who was being interviewed about the early days of 'the forward pass' quipped with a smile, "the run sets up the pass? Bull(BLEEP)! The pass sets up the run!"

He was essentially correct, and it's a notion the Steelers should employ. As they use the no-huddle and a short, quick passing game, it would open up running lanes because of defenders being spread out more. 

Add to that the fact that Felix Jones is more of a cutback, in space runner, and you have a fairly good formula. Plus, Le'Veon Bell, whence he returns, was used to running behind bad offensive lines at Michigan State.

None of this means anything, though, without...

THE RETURN OF HEATH MILLER - 

The latest version of the unsung hero is desperately needed. Heath Miller led the Steelers last season with 71 receptions (in 15 games) for 816 yards. David Paulson and David Johnson have four catches for 50 yards between them. 

However, what is more important is his blocking ability. He is one of the most complete tight ends in the NFL and remains very underrated. Tomlin said in his weekly press conference that they aren't "expecting Heath to step out of a phone booth with a cape on", but he would heal a lot of ills. Big Ben has already said that Heath "should run for president", so why shouldn't he put on a cape too? 

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TIDBITS: Much ado about nothing - Antonio Brown got into a "heated" discussion with offensive coordinator Todd Haley over his lack of touches. As Tomlin pointed out, the limited touches could be mostly attributed to the Steelers running only 55 plays compared to 79 for the Bengals. 

“We’re just not getting enough snaps,” Tomlin said. 

It didn't stop Brown from voicing his dislike. Water under the bridge, though, as Brown has come out and said that he and Haley are "good." - http://espn.go.com/blog/afcnorth/post/_/id/74835/antonio-brown-says-he-and-haley-are-good

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Cortez Allen and Brett Keisel (calf) missed practice Wednesday. Le'Veon Bell, Jarvis Jones (heel) were limited.

Heath Miller was a full participant in practice Wednesday and it is a possibility he starts Sunday barring any setbacks.