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View Full Version : Who's to blame? OL, Ben, WRs, TE's, BA?



costanza2k1
10-29-2008, 01:08 PM
In the event I missed an image or video go here: http://www.postgameheroes.com/

From PGH:

The Steelers’ Short Passing Game

By Dagger | October 29, 2008

Today, we’re looking at Wide Receiver separation and Big Ben’s ability to deliver the ball to the right man at the right time. Since the debacle against the Eagles, the Steelers have turned to a short-to-intermediate passing game that they are hoping will nullify some of their opponents’ blitz schemes. The Steelers Offensive Line really struggles with delayed blitzes and stunts….one way to combat defensive pressure and compensate for an average line is to get the ball out of the QB’s hands as quickly as possible. Sounds good, right?

Well, quick slants to WRs and pop passes to the Tight End sound good in theory, but if your WRs can’t beat tight man coverage and your QB doesn’t trust his eyes and hesitates to deliver the ball quickly, you get what we saw this past Sunday vs the Giants.

Let’s take a look at what we’re talking about below. We’ll start you off with some Video and then hit you upside the head with some screenshots. Enjoy.

PLAY 1
http://www.viddler.com/explore/PostGame ... videos/29/ (http://www.viddler.com/explore/PostGameHeroes/videos/29/)

http://www.postgameheroes.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/10/quickpass1a.jpg
Notice Big Ben taking a real short dropback. Also notice how the line shortens their drop as well. This is a routine quick pass play.
http://www.postgameheroes.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/10/quickpass1b.jpg
Ben is completing his drop right now. The line has established its perimeter and the ball needs to be delivered soon. With short dropbacks and a short drop by the Offensive Line, this play is all on Ben reading the D and the WRs getting open.
http://www.postgameheroes.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/10/quickpass1c.jpg
As you can see, everyone is covered. This play results in an incomplete pass as Big Ben toss the ball at the feet of Moore coming out of the backfield. But imagine, had this play resulted in a sack....there is no way you could blame the line....but some people would.

PLAY 2
http://www.postgameheroes.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/10/quickpass2a.jpg

http://www.postgameheroes.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/10/quickpass2b.jpg
1st and 15 with the Giants dropping back into zone coverage. We get another short drop from Big Ben on this play.
http://www.postgameheroes.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/10/quickpass2b.jpg
Hines Ward is open in the middle of the field, and another WR is open up top. Big Ben holds on to the ball too long here.
http://www.postgameheroes.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/10/quickpass2c.jpg
Ben will eventually scramble left on this play and hit Hines Ward near the sideline in between a LB and a CB. Still...this play did not need to be that complicated. Hit Ward in stride at the 30 yard line instead of almost getting sacked, almost getting picked, and almost ruining an easy completion.

PLAY 3

http://www.viddler.com/explore/PostGame ... videos/31/ (http://www.viddler.com/explore/PostGameHeroes/videos/31/)

http://www.postgameheroes.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/10/quickpass3a.jpg

One final example of a 3 step drop.
http://www.postgameheroes.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/10/quickpass3b.jpg
Ben is planting his back foot and the ball has to be delivered NOW.
http://www.postgameheroes.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/10/quickpass3c.jpg
Anyone open? This play results in a sack but who is to blame? Willie Colon? Hines Ward? Heath Miller? Big Ben?

Oviedo
10-29-2008, 02:57 PM
Getting rid of the ball quick is so obvious it amazes me that is not the central feature in our offense.

If we continue to misuse Heath Miller as an extra tackle we will never be able to resign and keep him.

steelblood
10-29-2008, 03:13 PM
This team has a horribly designed quick hit offense. This coupled with Ben's indecision and our poor line, causes real problems. Bump and run coverage seems to disrupt us too much as well. Fixing this doesn't take a genius, just a competent coaching staff.

FIX IT!