fordfixer
12-18-2009, 01:34 AM
Steelers need to step up on offense
December 17th, 2009
http://blog.triblive.com/view-from-the- ... ox+Blog%29 (http://blog.triblive.com/view-from-the-press-box/2009/12/17/steelers-need-to-step-up-on-offense/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+triblive%2Fblog%2FViewFromThe PressBox+%28View+from+the+Press+Box+Blog%29)
Despite what Ryan Clark might think, the Steelers’ secondary is not the most criticized group or person on the team.
That dubious honor belongs to offensive coordinator Bruce Arians, who no doubt had Steelers fans apoplectic on the third play of the Dec. 10 game in Cleveland.
With the Steelers facing a third-and-one deep in their own territory, they lined with receivers flanked to the left and right of quarterback Ben Roethlisberger and in an empty backfield.
The Steelers were hoping to hit the Browns with a big pass play to rookie wideout Mike Wallace. Instead, Cleveland sacked Roethlisberger — and set the tone in the game that ended with the Steelers’ worst loss in a season filled with bad defeats.
“It said third and one on the scoreboard, it was really third and two,” Arians said of the play call. “We had the wind and thought we could get Mike open down the field. We were covered and didn’t get it off.”
The call — and the fact that Steelers managed just two field goals against a team that entered the game last in total defense in the NFL — only intensified fan criticism of Arians.
It also provoked more calls for the Steelers to get back to their roots and start running the ball more, especially since Rashard Mendenhall has emerged as a feature back.
If Arians hasn’t shown any inclination to change neither has the sentiment the Steelers are somehow being unfaithful to their fans and themselves when they are not trying to run over, through and around defenses.
“This is the only town that says that,” Arians acknowledged of the desire to pound the opposition with the run, “and I understand that. It’s getting spread around pretty good.”
Indeed, the Steelers, barring injury, will have a 3,000-yard passer, 1,000-yard rusher and two 1,000-yard receivers for the first time since 2001.
Wide receiver Hines Ward observed today that it is “weird” that the Steelers have gotten that kind of offensive production yet only have a 6-7 record to show for it.
The reason all of those yards haven’t translated into more points than the 21.4 the Steelers are averaging a game: they have had to settle for field goals too often, and they have been too inefficient on third down.
During their five-game losing streak, the Steelers have converted just over 28 percent of the time on third down. Not good enough, as Arians said today.
“It’s all about points, it’s all about making first downs,” Arians said. “It’s not how many times you run it, it’s about getting first downs, getting down there and knocking it in.”
Some of Arians’ playcalling has been curious at times but the same can be said of just about every other offensive coordinator.
His returning to the Steelers next season, however, may hinge on the offense showing marked improvement in two areas over the last three games: converting on third down and when the Steelers are inside their opponents’ 20-yard line.
Of the criticism Arians has gotten, Ward said, “I don’t know if it’s unfair. We’re all in it together, coaches are included too. When you’re 6-7 you’re trying to find an answer.
“He may call a play and it may not be particularly the best play or positive play but if we don’t go out there and execute it, it doesn’t matter what coordinator you bring in.”
December 17th, 2009
http://blog.triblive.com/view-from-the- ... ox+Blog%29 (http://blog.triblive.com/view-from-the-press-box/2009/12/17/steelers-need-to-step-up-on-offense/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+triblive%2Fblog%2FViewFromThe PressBox+%28View+from+the+Press+Box+Blog%29)
Despite what Ryan Clark might think, the Steelers’ secondary is not the most criticized group or person on the team.
That dubious honor belongs to offensive coordinator Bruce Arians, who no doubt had Steelers fans apoplectic on the third play of the Dec. 10 game in Cleveland.
With the Steelers facing a third-and-one deep in their own territory, they lined with receivers flanked to the left and right of quarterback Ben Roethlisberger and in an empty backfield.
The Steelers were hoping to hit the Browns with a big pass play to rookie wideout Mike Wallace. Instead, Cleveland sacked Roethlisberger — and set the tone in the game that ended with the Steelers’ worst loss in a season filled with bad defeats.
“It said third and one on the scoreboard, it was really third and two,” Arians said of the play call. “We had the wind and thought we could get Mike open down the field. We were covered and didn’t get it off.”
The call — and the fact that Steelers managed just two field goals against a team that entered the game last in total defense in the NFL — only intensified fan criticism of Arians.
It also provoked more calls for the Steelers to get back to their roots and start running the ball more, especially since Rashard Mendenhall has emerged as a feature back.
If Arians hasn’t shown any inclination to change neither has the sentiment the Steelers are somehow being unfaithful to their fans and themselves when they are not trying to run over, through and around defenses.
“This is the only town that says that,” Arians acknowledged of the desire to pound the opposition with the run, “and I understand that. It’s getting spread around pretty good.”
Indeed, the Steelers, barring injury, will have a 3,000-yard passer, 1,000-yard rusher and two 1,000-yard receivers for the first time since 2001.
Wide receiver Hines Ward observed today that it is “weird” that the Steelers have gotten that kind of offensive production yet only have a 6-7 record to show for it.
The reason all of those yards haven’t translated into more points than the 21.4 the Steelers are averaging a game: they have had to settle for field goals too often, and they have been too inefficient on third down.
During their five-game losing streak, the Steelers have converted just over 28 percent of the time on third down. Not good enough, as Arians said today.
“It’s all about points, it’s all about making first downs,” Arians said. “It’s not how many times you run it, it’s about getting first downs, getting down there and knocking it in.”
Some of Arians’ playcalling has been curious at times but the same can be said of just about every other offensive coordinator.
His returning to the Steelers next season, however, may hinge on the offense showing marked improvement in two areas over the last three games: converting on third down and when the Steelers are inside their opponents’ 20-yard line.
Of the criticism Arians has gotten, Ward said, “I don’t know if it’s unfair. We’re all in it together, coaches are included too. When you’re 6-7 you’re trying to find an answer.
“He may call a play and it may not be particularly the best play or positive play but if we don’t go out there and execute it, it doesn’t matter what coordinator you bring in.”