Myth Exposed

[NorthCoast]

So the claim by some is that the Steelers have overspent on Defense and underspent on Offense for far too long and now they are paying the price with a lack of O talent vs D talent. Well, think again.
Just checked the NFL team salary cap numbers for offense and defense. Guess what team is even more unbalanced on defense vs offense spend than the Steelers?... the team that just put the smackdown on them! Cinci's unbalance on defensive spend is the worst in the NFL, spending $23M more on defense than offense.
So, what teams spend nearly equally on offense and defense? and does that trend with increased wins? or does more spend on Offense lead to more wins? Teams that spent nearly equally on offense and defense include Tampa Bay and Dallas. Which teams spent heavy on Offense? That would be the Eagles, Titans an Chargers, spending >$20M on offense vs defense.

Reality is, there is poor correlation of wins to spending one way or the other. Mathematically speaking, there is a small trend of more wins by increased spend on defense (using 2012 win/loss records). But of course, don't let facts get in the way of those trying to argue otherwise.

[flippy]

It's QB + Defense that wins championships in this era. I like how the Steelers are spending. We just need better players all around. Spending more won't guarantee better players.

[steeler_fan_in_t.o.]

Cincy has their QB and star WR still under rookie contracts. Get back to us after they are re-upped.

[flippy]

Cincy has their QB and star WR still under rookie contracts. Get back to us after they are re-upped.

Not to mention they just added the best RB and TE in last year's draft to their O.

[phillyesq]

Cincy has their QB and star WR still under rookie contracts. Get back to us after they are re-upped.

This is why looking at salary cap numbers don't tell the whole story. On offense, Ben, Heath and AB are the only significant guys who are beyond rookie deals. There are young, high draft picks - Pouncey, DD, the tackles, but they are still on rookie deals.

[feltdizz]

It's not how much you pay... it's WHO you pay...

If Bell and Wheaton were productive and contributed like Bernard and Eifert did last game....
If DD didn't spread the love to Pouncey just like Gilbert spread it to him the year before...

I'm pretty sure we wouldn't be having this conversation.

[feltdizz]

This is why looking at salary cap numbers don't tell the whole story. On offense, Ben, Heath and AB are the only significant guys who are beyond rookie deals. There are young, high draft picks - Pouncey, DD, the tackles, but they are still on rookie deals.

Pouncey out... DD suspect... tackles ain't all that.. Bell out... Wheaton in but really out...

that's the difference IMO.