Be more like the Ravens?

[Sugar]

My suspicion is that even if RM is every bit the back that most Steeler fans think he is or even better; he's still only the third best back in the AFC North. That doesn't mean he's not sweet or that we can't be a very effective running offense when needed, it just means our talent at the position isn't what the Bengals or Ravens have.

That said, I think that BB is solidly the best QB in the division and we have an excellent compliment of receivers for him to throw to- especially if we continue to incorporate Heath more.

IMO, we don't need to run more but just play a bit better situational ball and improve in the red zone. Other than that, the O is just fine. The D and ST on the other hand...

[feltdizz]

My suspicion is that even if RM is every bit the back that most Steeler fans think he is or even better; he's still only the third best back in the AFC North. That doesn't mean he's not sweet or that we can't be a very effective running offense when needed, it just means our talent at the position isn't what the Bengals or Ravens have.

That said, I think that BB is solidly the best QB in the division and we have an excellent compliment of receivers for him to throw to- especially if we continue to incorporate Heath more.

IMO, we don't need to run more but just play a bit better situational ball and improve in the red zone. Other than that, the O is just fine. The D and ST on the other hand...

Well said.... I think RM is going to be the best RB in our division next year. He averaged around 5 yards a carry and he is a weapon in the passing game. We finally ran a screen and will run more next year.

Mendenhall is a beast... He should get 1500 and 500 in 16 games if healthy next year. I just hope he stops spinning.

[Iron Shiek]

Run him til the wheels fall off! Oh wait...

[feltdizz]

Run him til the wheels fall off! Oh wait...

While it sounded rah rah at the time.. looking back it was an awful idea...

Unless we play GB or AZ next ear I would love to see Mend get at least 15 touches a game. The GB production was nice too..

[papillon]

yet some Steeler fans want the Ravens unbalanced production... but hate an unbalanced offense.

I've seen this idea suggested by both you and Oveido in the last two threads I read.

It might be true, but I suspect it is not. Can you cite specific posters and examples where this idea is put forth?

Otherwise, it's just a strawman argument.

I think that more likely, there are folks who, like myself, want the Steelers to be able to run more effectively rather than run (almost) exclusively.

In fact, while I haven't done any intensive research on this board, I have seen NO ONE who has suggested anything other than what I am suggesting...

This, of course, is the ideal solution to the problem of our running attack. However, to be effective running the ball when you need to run the ball you have to be dedicated to the run and being dedicated to the run means being the Jets or Ravens. Without the linemen getting into rhythm, without the back getting into a rhythm you don't just turn on the running game and try to burn clock in the 4th quarter.

Bettis was good at this because the defense had to tackle his big @$$ 20 times in the first three quarters and then saw him 8. 9, 10 more times in the 4th quarter when they were tired of shedding 300 pound linemen and tackling a 20 pound halfback.

Even the Vikings with Peterson rely on Favre to move the chains late in the gamer to keep the clock moving, because, they don't send Peterson in their 20 times in three quarters to wear down the defense, nobody does, except teams with great defenses, good running backs and average to below average quarterbacks.

If you have a quarterback you trust these days you're going to use him. I'm hoping for bigger plays from Mendenhall early in games next year and hopefully, he's able to chew some clock late or, at least, put the Steelers in 3rd and manageable to salt the game away.

Without renewed dedication to the run I just don't see the Steelers running game being dominant. It will be good and there will be big plays that come out of it, but it isn't going to be the clock burned we would all like, IMO.

Pappy

[feltdizz]

Pappy said it best. Also think about 2008 and how great the Ravens run attack was against us. It wasn't. It looks great against the Pats* so it was played over and over again for a week. However, any other year we laugh at the Ravens production or lack of it.

I'm surprised more people aren't using the Saints O as an example.

[devilsdancefloor]

Rice had so many catches becuase the WR corps couldnt get open so flacco dumped it off to him. I do NOT want to see the steelers O to come anywhere near that pathetic. i threw up in my mouth a little when i read someone thinks we have the 3rd best RB in the AFCN.