Offense And Roethlisberger Still Key To Steelers Eventual Success

"I think that being familiar and getting a certain amount of exposure to it, it's going to bring comfort. But we can't relax in that comfort. We have to continue to move forward as a unit. I thought we did some good things, particularly initially. I thought we waned down the stretch. I look forward to putting the pieces together and trying to be the best we can be in 2013." - Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin on Todd Haley's first season as offensive coordinator and the offense evolving this season.

As the team wades through the free agency waters and preparations continue for the 2013 NFL season, the focus for most is on whether enough will be done to rebound for a playoff appearance. Even this blog tackled this subject and declared that the Steelers are in for a rebuilding year. However, one thing is certain: if quarterback Ben Roethlisberger and offensive coordinator Todd Haley continue to get into that "comfort" zone, the Steelers have a shot.

Haley's offense is predicated on two main concepts. Firstly, he wants his unit to go on sustained drives that kill the clock and, in doing so, keeps his defense and the opposing offense off of the field. When done successfully, thus inhibits the opponent's ability to score points of their own. Secondly, he wants the running game to set up the passing game.

Both of those were being accomplished early in the season. As we pointed out in a previous blog, the offense did work early on. Its failings were directly associated with injuries (especially to that of Big Ben and the offensive line), a limited running game, dropped passes, fumbles and interceptions. In the first nine games of the season, the team was 6-3, was scoring 23.0 points per game, was just -1 in turnover differential and was averaging 103.8 rushing yards per game.



The Steelers' offense was one of the most efficient in the league. By a large margin, it led the NFL in third-down conversions and in time of possession. Big Ben was leading the NFL in third-down passing and was on pace for having one of the best seasons of his career.

Then came the injury in that week nine game against the Kansas City Chiefs. He would miss three and a half games total and has admitted that, not only did he return to the field too soon, he didn't have the same confidence in himself and his game.

"Sometimes, certain passes just weren't right. I didn't trust myself to get enough zip on it to throw it out there. I tried to guide it too much instead of just throw it." - http://tinyurl.com/bwtvwoo

Fast forward to March of 2013 and faces among the crowd have changed. His left tackle, running back, his big-play target and his tight end (for a while anyway) are all gone. But he hasn't let that deter his outlook.

"You never like to see anybody leave. But I'm pretty sure there's never been in the history of this sport the exact same team come back two years in a row.... I have confidence [the front office will] get guys in here who will be ready to compete and play," Big Ben said.

That being the case, the replacement of those missing faces is paramount. Because, as good as the defense was again last season, the offense steers this ship. Make no mistake, the NFL wants more scoring and its rules favor that end. Want proof?

Over the last five seasons (2008-2012) the NFL teams with the fewest yards per game allowed were the Steelers ('08: 237.2 YPG), the Jets ('09: 252.3 YPG), the Chargers ('10: 271.6 YPG), the Steelers ('11: 271.8 YPG) and the Steelers ('12: 275.8 YPG).

Did you notice the trend? The yards allowed increased each year over that period. The fewest points per game allowed during that same time frame also increased, going from 13.9 PPG (the '08 Steelers) to 15.3 PPG (the '12 Seattle Seahawks). Yet, only two of those teams turned those accomplishments into Super Bowl appearances: the Steelers (twice).

So replacing the missing pieces, limiting turnovers and being more efficient in executing the offense are the conglomerate key - a key still turned by Big Ben. Which he can do, along with Haley, if he lets it happen. Something that someone familiar with Haley says he can and should do.

Kurt Warner, former NFL quarterback who played under Haley had quite a bit to say regarding the benefits that can be had by Big Ben. He said, in part, that Big Ben needs to ask himself, "‘Why are we doing this? How does this benefit me? How does this play to my strengths?' If the offense didn't play to his strengths, I think it would be tough to ever buy in. But I do believe it plays to his strengths.” - http://triblive.com/sports/nfl/3406657-74/warner-offense-roethlisberger#axzz2JWrlKYRm

Taking the offense and embracing it is essential. His gaining a greater understanding of the offense, and they of each other as Tomlin alluded to, will lead to success. As it is, most of the so-called tension between the two was media driven. But you still have two stubborn, A-personality individuals here, both of whom want to win - tensions, especially in a season where expectations went unfulfilled, were bound to rise.

In essence, they need to make sure that they solidify their professional relationship, straighten up and fly right and determine the direction they want to go, which one the navigator is and which one is the pilot. (Just cool down, papa Ben, don't blow your top.)

Big Ben will be playing behind potentially the youngest offensive line in the NFL next season. Warner also faced a similar situation during Haley's tenure. How did he handle it?

“When we were together, we threw the ball down the field a lot. But we complemented that with a lot of the short-passing game — and we were limited at our offensive line position," Warner also said. “It was understood, ‘Hey, we can't just drop back seven steps and try to wing the ball down the field all the time.'"

Before Big Ben's injury, he was on pace for the fewest sacks of his career (23 in 2005), and still ended up being sacked "only" 30 times. The real difference in this is that he suffered the fewest sacks per pass attempt in his career (6.3%). So the 'tweaking' of things has helped in that at least.

It needs to continue. Adding a productive run game will help facilitate that, and will help facilitate winning in general. As a comparison, including the playoff games against the Houston Texans and Baltimore Ravens, the New England Patriots were 13-1 when rushing for 100 yards, yet they were 0-4 when held under 100 yards. Tom Brady's sack-per-pass-attempt ratio was also a low (4.1%). So the running game is still important. And Ray Graham of Pitt wants to feel important. - http://tinyurl.com/cx23jg3

This is still, though, a quarterback-driven league and your franchise must be protected - even from himself.

“They can eliminate hits and then they can take chances down the field, which is what Ben is so good at,” Warner said. “(The short passes) eliminate the risk factor of him having to get hit over and over again."

Not only that, but Warner summed it all up better than we could by what he said next.

"Not just the risk factor for Ben but the risk factor for the team that when Ben doesn't play, this team is a different team.”

That they are.

~

TIDBITS: Speaking of quarterbacks... There was the one that got away: http://sulia.com/channel/pittsburgh-steelers/f/4d2fe802-4363-464b-b001-6dfa7bdd8c1a/?source=twitter

And the one yet to visit...Tulane QB Ryan Griffin: http://tinyurl.com/cezzkpc

~

With the new helmet rule, should the Steelers forget drafting a running back in the first round? - http://tinyurl.com/bt9dzbs

Scrutiny On The Bounty: The NFL, Saints and Inconsistency

It was September 29, 2008 against the rival Baltimore Ravens. Rashard Mendenhall takes the ball and gets hit by linebacker Ray Lewis squarely in his shoulder, fracturing it and putting him out for the season.

Before the next game between the two teams, during the "2 Live Stews" syndicated radio show on Oct. 17, Baltimore linebacker Terrell Suggs said that they had put a bounty on Hines Ward and Mendenhall. Suggs was asked, "Did y'all put a bounty out on that young man [Mendenhall]?" Suggs replied, "Definitely. The bounty was out on him and the bounty was out on [Ward]...we just didn't get [Ward] between the whistles."

It was March 2, 2012 when it was revealed that the New Orleans Saints had bounties not on a hated rival's key player, but on every opposing player in the NFL from 2009 to 2011.

Obviously, no one in the Saints organization was aware of what Ray Anderson, the NFL's executive vice president of football operations, said on the matter shortly thereafter.

Anderson told http://ESPN.com: "That 'bounty' notion is completely against the rules. To the extent that someone is engaged in that activity, we will look into it and address it. Yes, we've seen the comments and we're trying to determine the completeness of the circumstances."

Weren't the words, "completely against the rules" definitive enough?

Before I go any further, let me be clear about the fact that this blog post won't read like a breaking news report. I'll leave the fact-finding to Mike Florio of http://profootballtalk.com and Adam Schefter of ESPN, @profootballtalk and @AdamSchefter respectively on Twitter. This post will, though, entertain thoughts on the ramifications this may have on several fronts.

To that point, it was Adam Schefter who reported that NFL security had determined that there were between 22 and 27 defensive players on the Saints maintained a bounty program. It was defensive coordinator Gregg Williams who administered the program with knowledge of other defensive coaches.

The NFL scrutiny of the Saints began in 2010 when allegations were made that the Saints targeted such quarterbacks as Brett Favre and Kurt Warner. The investigation contains 18,000 documents totaling more than 50,000 pages.

Regarding the bounty program and the monies paid on different players and for different results, the NFL-issued release stated: “The payments here are particularly troubling because they involved not just payments for ‘performance,’ but also for injuring opposing players,” Commissioner Roger Goodell said in the release.

“The bounty rule promotes two key elements of NFL football: player safety and competitive integrity. It is our responsibility to protect player safety and the integrity of our game, and this type of conduct will not be tolerated.  We have made significant progress in changing the culture with respect to player safety and we are not going to relent. We have more work to do and we will do it.”

The league’s release said that the program not only included payments for fumbles and interceptions, but also $1,000 for inflicting injuries that resulted in players being carried off the field and $1,500 for players being knocked out of the game.

The release also stated that coach Sean Payton, while not involved in the program directly, knew about the bounty and did nothing to stop it. For a certainty, a mistake on his part. One for which he will have to answer in some fashion.

Discipline for the Saints could include fines, suspensions and forfeiture of draft choices, per Adam Schefter. Commissioner Goodell will determine the discipline. Schefter also said, "a safe prediction: Saints will be disciplined far worse than the Patriots were for Spygate."

If that's the case, then, while Sean Payton won't get more than the slap on the wrist Bill Belichik received, Saints general manager Mickey Loomis, who was also has been implicated, should get decidedly more than was divvied out in 2005.

It was reported by Pro Football Talk that, though the relevant portion of the release was somewhat unclear, it appears that Loomis may have lied to owner Tom Benson about the existence of a bounty program and/or failed to end the program after being told by Benson to do so.

If that is to be believed, you're looking at insolence and complicity. If it isn't to be believed and Tom Benson was involved, now you also have collusion and Goodell has a potential dilemma in front of him.

Goodell already has tenuous relations with the players, so another light-handed reaction to something done by an owner and/or GM will set relations on it's ear. Especially when considering how conversely heavy-handed he has been on them at times. Goodell and the NFLPA will have to work together closely on this matter to avoid having a noticeable limp as the NFL moves forward.

As it is, the NFLPA says it will study league's report on Saints' bounties. “Health and safety is a paramount issue to the NFLPA,” the union said in a statement. The rest of the statement and Pro Football Talk's commentary on it can be read here:  http://t.co/d8pOgn2L

Kurt Warner, who was earlier mentioned specifically as a targeted player said this about it: "It's definitely disappointing, but I won’t say that I’m completely surprised...that there were teams out there doing those kinds of things behind closed doors."

“I think that’s part of the game, and I think that’s part of the mindset,” Warner said. “And I’m not going to tell you that I haven’t believed that there was probably defensive players that got together and said, ‘Hey, you know, a thousand bucks for the first guy to knock Kurt out of a football game.’ I’m sure that’s been a part of our league for a long time.” http://t.co/Fq2yTj44

This is isn't the first time Gregg Williams has done this. The Washington Post reported that the Redskins had a bounty system for big hits on opponents under Williams, who was their defensive coordinator from 2004-2007, per Adam Schefter. Williams has since apologized for this "terrible mistake": http://t.co/13xhxP3n

Pro Football Talk suggested that, If Goodell really wants to punish the Saints, he should take away their franchise tag: http://t.co/MQxH0Inp

Doing so would strike an immediate blow to the Saints who, per a league source, used the exclusive version of the franchise tag on Drew Brees. He won't be able to talk to any other teams. So, if the Saints punishment is indeed coming by March 25, as Jay Glazer has stated, there is time to halt their dealings and  http://t.co/WH7jxQpH

That's just one option, of course, and I'm not here to debate punishments to be levied anyway. I don't sit on the rules committee, nor do I rule with an iron-mixed-with-clay fist, so I'll leave judgement to the purview of those in charge.

No, what comes into light for me is that there is an ancillary issue that is of the prime benefit to Steelers fans and true NFL fans. The development of this story forces NFL fans, and people in general around the country and world, who only read the sensationalistic headlines and snippets regarding the Steelers and their players, and even certain overly vocal Browns players, to acknowledge and turn their attention to actual and admittedly dirty players and coaches.

Those same ones will also have to put down their torches and leave the James Harrison witch hunt or be exposed as significantly less-than-intelligent. Harrison said he wants the opponent to feel pain when he hits them, to hurt them (similar to things said by many players over the years, including NFL darlings and Hall of Famers Deacon Jones, Chuck Bednarik and Dick "Night Train" Lane), but not to cause injuries. Certainly not as a part of some sort of bounty either. Clearly, there's a difference.

Mark Kaboly put it well when he said: "Ironic this is that @jharrison9292 (James Harrison's Twitter handle) got fined $20K for what was deemed a dirty hit to New Orleans QB Drew Brees two years ago" during the time of the bounties.

Ironic indeed.

As a Steelers fan, I'm keenly concerned with the highly resented implications, even outright accusations of the "dirty" play of the Steelers. Especially where it concerns outside linebacker James Harrison. Even more so now that this has come to light.

The NFL and Goodell have been very inconsistent in how the NFL's games have been called and how fines have been assessed. Except when it comes to the Pittsburgh Steelers and one James Harrison. The inconsistent practices of the former have caused even non-Steelers fans to wonder aloud if Goodell has some axe to grind with latter. When that happens, you know there is a problem with balance...or the lack thereof.

I won't demand an apology, a la Tom Hagen in The Godfather II, knowing that there are times when Harrison has, unfortunately, laid illegal hits. That would be excessive and, to be blunt, a laughable request.

I simply have desire to see Goodell handle this properly and without the cloak and dagger feel of Spygate. Not to mention handling the Saints problem with the same ardor he has used with another Black and Gold clad team and eliminate the myth of Steelers as a "dirty" team...at least until the next time the Steelers play the Cleveland Browns.

Ed Reed or Troy Polamalu Who is Better?

Written by Jason Robinson

There has been a lot of debate lately about who's better: Troy Polamalu or Ed Reed. Both are great at their respective postions to be sure. But who is better? Is there a definitive answer? I know what I think. In fact, there's no contest.

    Troy Polamalu is a tremendous talent, to be sure, but Ryan Clark does a bulk of the coverage in Pittsburgh. Polamalu is more like another linebacker in running situations, an extra blitzer in 3rd down pass situations, and a sure tackler in general. But Reed eclipses him in interceptions, in turnovers caused, and in touchdowns. By a large margin I might add. Reed changes the entire nature of the game and the way offenses approach playing the Ravens. Want proof? Reed is the guy who out-smarts and befuddles Peyton Manning. Peyton Manning! One of the smartest QBs ever has a difficult time with Reed-a point which he's admitted. The Ravens, who always hover around the top 5 in defense each year, are only 6-9 without him in the starting lineup. Plus, this is a guy who can take it to the house at any moment and can lay lumber when necessary as well. Just ask Kansas City. His leveling blow in the playoffs last year took any remaining life out of the Chiefs and sent the Ravens rolling into the next round.

    Honestly, there is no contest. Reed leads in INTs with 54 (twice as many), in defensive touchdowns with 8 (twice as many), in forced fumbles and fumble recoveries. What more needs to be said? It's Ed Reed, hands down.

    But then again...

    Ed Reed is great at what he does, maybe the best ball hawk since the likes of Jack Christiansen and Jack Butler. Once the ball is in the air he's public enemy number one. But Troy Polamalu is more than the sum of his plays, er, parts.

    What has made Polamalu so special is not any one play, but a confluence (no pun intended) of things. Pittsburgh's defense has allowed the fewest points in the NFL three times since Polamalu became a starter in 2004. In 2007, the Steelers finished second; in 2005, third. So in other words, since Polamalu's arrival seven seasons ago the Steelers have finished in the top three in points allowed five times. In fact, Polamalu's worth is proven even more so when you look at the Steelers record without him: the Steelers are only 6-7 when he doesn't start. He's got the hardware too: he's started three Super Bowls, is a six-time Pro Bowl selection, a three-time 1st team All-Pro and the reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year. The guy could hang 'em up now and he's a Hall of Famer.

    What resonates even stronger is what Pittsburgh hasn't done when he's been injured. The difference between having Polamalu in or out of the lineup is monumental, especially the last two seasons.

Steelers' defense with and without Polamalu since 2009:
Win-Loss: With: 17-5 ... Without: 6-7; Points per game allowed: With: 15.9 ... Without: 21.5; Interceptions: With: 28 ... Without: 6

    But, as I said before, Polamalu is more than the sum of his parts. It's a series of splash plays that sets Polamalu apart. He has an uncanny ability to give the Steelers just what's needed just at the right time. Whether it's a strip sack, an INT, or a forced fumble Polamalu has been the Steelers Superman on many occasions. What more needs to be said? It's Troy Polamalu, hands down.

    But then again..

    Maybe there is no clear cut better player. Let's face it, they do play essentially two different positions. Polamalu is a Strong Safety and, by definition plays within 10-15 yards of the line of scrimmage most of the time. Watch game film of him and you'll see this to be the case. He plays within 10 yards of the line of scrimmage over 70% of the time. Ed Reed, on the other hand, is a Free Safety and plays, given the field position at the time, within 20-30 yards off the line. It's somewhat the difference between a Short Stop and a Center Fielder: one plays up and one plays deep. Their duties tend to differ therefore as well. Not to a great degree, but they do nonetheless. Yes, Reed has more INTs than Polamalu, but he's supposed to, it's his job. Troy has more tackles and sacks than Reed, but he should, he plays closer to the line. Look at it like this: two of the best Safeties in the last 25 years were Ronnie Lott and Rodney Harrison. Both were great players and both were complete players. But what sets them apart from one another is that Lott, who played Free Safety most of his career, retired with 63 INTs to Harrison's 34, while Harrison, a Strong Safety, recorded 30.5 sacks to Lott's 8.5. Get the point?

    Look, I could spout numbers (too many), Pro Bowls (13), All-Pros (8), Super Bowls (3), and awards (2) and skew them however I want. If I were on Reed's side I could point out that he, if he continues at the pace he's on, will most likely break the NFL record for career INTs. If I were on Polamalu's side I could point out that he's played in over 20 fewer games, 36 fewer as a starter, and therefore his numbers aren't nearly as far behind Reed's as it would seem at first glance. Also, that he's a two-time Super Bowl winner whereas Reed hasn't even been to the Super Bowl. But none of those reasons are truly definitive as each can be broken down. i.e. When have any of Reed's INTs been in a truly "big" moment or in a playoff game? He hasn't even led them to a Super Bowl. Or, so what that Polamalu has two Super Bowl Rings? So does Bubby Brister. What did he do in those games? This argument could last for years...unless you happen to favor one color over another.

    Honestly, I think the best description given regarding the two safeties was given by Kurt Warner when he said that 'before the ball is snapped and thrown, it's Polamalu. But once the ball is thrown, it's Reed'. Couldn't say it better myself. But I understand that you're reading this and expecting an answer. In that case then, in my opinion the best Safety in the NFL is...