Roethlisberger's Playoff Woes

[feltdizz]

You guys watching on TV wouldn't have seen it, but there were at least 3 occasions where Archer took off around the LT and was WIDE OPEN. Ben never saw him as he was looking the other way. 1 instance there was no Raven within 30 yards + of him. Almost like the Ravens decided not to play against him and put a 2nd defender on someone else. Baffling.. I was yelling every time I saw this....

Ben is okay with dumping it off to Bell but I think he felt like he had to win the game all by himself by looking for downfield shots. IMO the dump off to the RB is the primary reason Ben's stats look so good this year.

Archer has been open a lot and maybe it's size or trust but for some reason Ben fails to see him in the flat unless it's a designed play. He was wide open on the TD they called back too...

[Slapstick]

Nah, Archer just sucks.

[flippy]

Anyone know the Steelers annual Red Zone efficiency each year during the Big Ben era?

At some point during the season, I think we were almost dead last in terms of % of TDs we get in the Red Zone. I wonder how that efficiency compares to other franchise QBs? I think that's one of important metrics for a QB that doesn't get that much attention. Seems like Red Zone TDs correlate to a QB's ability to make quick decisions. It feels like our QB regularly struggles in this area and this really hurts us in the playoffs when the competition gets better.

Although it hurts us when the competition is bad.

Maybe I'm wrong, but it seems like guys like Manning have nearly double the efficiency of Ben in the Red Zone. And I always wonder why?

[NorthCoast]

Between 2004-2009 Roethlisberger was 6-6 when attempting >40 passes in a game.

The best in the game? T Brady wins almost 2 out of 3 games when tossing >40 passes.

[NJ-STEELER]

Between 2004-2009 Roethlisberger was 6-6 when attempting >40 passes in a game.

The best in the game? T Brady wins almost 2 out of 3 games when tossing >40 passes.

helps when your team is built for that

T brady is on the short list of best QBs to ever play in the game.

[NorthCoast]

helps when your team is built for that

T brady is on the short list of best QBs to ever play in the game.

built for what?? the years between Moss and Gronk, Brady has had some of the worst WR corps in the NFL. Yes, he is one of the best ever.

Wouldn't trade Ben for any QB, but what I didn't tell you is that his win percentage when passing >40 times in the last 4 yrs is worse than a long list of NFL QBs including: Dalton, Flacco, Romo, Ryan, Stafford, Schaub and others.

[bostonsteeler]

built for what?? the years between Moss and Gronk, Brady has had some of the worst WR corps in the NFL. Yes, he is one of the best ever.

Wouldn't trade Ben for any QB, but what I didn't tell you is that his win percentage when passing >40 times in the last 4 yrs is worse than a long list of NFL QBs including: Dalton, Flacco, Romo, Ryan, Stafford, Schaub and others.

In the past 4 years, when he's tossed > 40 times, we have been behind and our D has stunk, and our overall win percentage is worse than any of the other teams you mention.

[feltdizz]

Anyone know the Steelers annual Red Zone efficiency each year during the Big Ben era?

At some point during the season, I think we were almost dead last in terms of % of TDs we get in the Red Zone. I wonder how that efficiency compares to other franchise QBs? I think that's one of important metrics for a QB that doesn't get that much attention. Seems like Red Zone TDs correlate to a QB's ability to make quick decisions. It feels like our QB regularly struggles in this area and this really hurts us in the playoffs when the competition gets better.

Although it hurts us when the competition is bad.

Maybe I'm wrong, but it seems like guys like Manning have nearly double the efficiency of Ben in the Red Zone. And I always wonder why?

You know why, we all know why... but some people can't admit the obvious.

Ben is horrible in the RZ.

As far as Brady is concerned.... take away his security blanket in Gronk or Welker underneath and he struggles.

Brady is a beast because the system he is in the best system in football and his mwchanics are top notch.

[Chadman]

Anyone know the Steelers annual Red Zone efficiency each year during the Big Ben era?

At some point during the season, I think we were almost dead last in terms of % of TDs we get in the Red Zone. I wonder how that efficiency compares to other franchise QBs? I think that's one of important metrics for a QB that doesn't get that much attention. Seems like Red Zone TDs correlate to a QB's ability to make quick decisions. It feels like our QB regularly struggles in this area and this really hurts us in the playoffs when the competition gets better.

Although it hurts us when the competition is bad.

Maybe I'm wrong, but it seems like guys like Manning have nearly double the efficiency of Ben in the Red Zone. And I always wonder why?

This is not a discredit to the QB Ben is- BUT....the field is shorter in the RZ, decision time is diminished, and both of those factors mean that Ben's #1 strength- his ability to buy time- is reduced. I do not think Ben sees the field as well as a Brady or Manning. I don't think he can see the holes the same way. And, you might count this as a discredit if you like, I believe Ben 'thinks' he is better than he actually is. So much so that, i'm not sure a really stringent coaching plan in the RZ is going to necessarily be followed to the letter by Ben.

For Ben to really blossom, forget the D, forget the WR's- he needs a reliable running game that can be effective in the RZ. It will remove the amount of pass attempts he needs to make.

I agree with the observation on Archer earlier- there seemed to be a number of times he broke free & was never looked at as an option. If his name was Bell, I doubt that happens.

[NJ-STEELER]

built for what?? the years between Moss and Gronk, Brady has had some of the worst WR corps in the NFL. Yes, he is one of the best ever.

Wouldn't trade Ben for any QB, but what I didn't tell you is that his win percentage when passing >40 times in the last 4 yrs is worse than a long list of NFL QBs including: Dalton, Flacco, Romo, Ryan, Stafford, Schaub and others.

you dont think that offense was built for the pass? with their OL and quick passing game?

you cited 2004-2009. moss got there 2007 when his passing numbers sky rocketed. so did welker. one was traded for, the other signed to an offer sheet and then traded for.
do you ever see the steelers FO try and get those type of talents? no. Even when they drafted receivers high in the draft they let them go leave as free agents after their rookie contracts were up. they didnt want to hand them big paydays

[BURGH86STEEL]

Anyone know the Steelers annual Red Zone efficiency each year during the Big Ben era?

At some point during the season, I think we were almost dead last in terms of % of TDs we get in the Red Zone. I wonder how that efficiency compares to other franchise QBs? I think that's one of important metrics for a QB that doesn't get that much attention. Seems like Red Zone TDs correlate to a QB's ability to make quick decisions. It feels like our QB regularly struggles in this area and this really hurts us in the playoffs when the competition gets better.

Although it hurts us when the competition is bad.

Maybe I'm wrong, but it seems like guys like Manning have nearly double the efficiency of Ben in the Red Zone. And I always wonder why?

The passing windows are smaller and the coverage is generally tighter in the red zone. Quick decision making & throwing with anticipation appear to be issues for Ben in the red zone. When Ben doesn't play well this offense will always struggle to produce points regardless of the weapons around Ben. It's possible that Ben left 2 or 3 TD's out on the field vs the Ravens.

[flippy]

The passing windows are smaller and the coverage is generally tighter in the red zone. Quick decision making & throwing with anticipation appear to be issues for Ben in the red zone. When Ben doesn't play well this offense will always struggle to produce points regardless of the weapons around Ben. It's possible that Ben left 2 or 3 TD's out on the field vs the Ravens.

I agree. And it makes me wonder how much money we can afford to pay Ben. I also agree with Chadman in that we need a running game to help Ben in the RZ.

So where do we spend our cap dollars? Perhaps we need to become more dominant on the Oline. Perhaps we need to invest in another TE to help. Perhaps we need a big possession WR.

And maybe our dollars need to go more toward our D to keep other teams from scoring.

Here's a question - How far can Ben take us without an elite D? We're going to be putting more money into our O to give Ben more weapons, but does that really help us win SuperBowls? I think Ben can be just as effective with or without great weapons. Superior weapons don't seem to add that much in terms of creating a ton more points.

I still think our SuperBowl formula is Ben + Defense = SuperBowls. Unless we find guys the calibre of James and Troy in their prime on D, I'm not sure we're on the path to getting back to winning a SuperBowl for the rest of Ben's career. Maybe I'm a pessimist, but I'm having a hard time seeing the path to success here given our trajectory and the players we currently have.

[feltdizz]

I agree. And it makes me wonder how much money we can afford to pay Ben. I also agree with Chadman in that we need a running game to help Ben in the RZ.

So where do we spend our cap dollars? Perhaps we need to become more dominant on the Oline. Perhaps we need to invest in another TE to help. Perhaps we need a big possession WR.

And maybe our dollars need to go more toward our D to keep other teams from scoring.

Here's a question - How far can Ben take us without an elite D? We're going to be putting more money into our O to give Ben more weapons, but does that really help us win SuperBowls? I think Ben can be just as effective with or without great weapons. Superior weapons don't seem to add that much in terms of creating a ton more points.

I still think our SuperBowl formula is Ben + Defense = SuperBowls. Unless we find guys the calibre of James and Troy in their prime on D, I'm not sure we're on the path to getting back to winning a SuperBowl for the rest of Ben's career. Maybe I'm a pessimist, but I'm having a hard time seeing the path to success here given our trajectory and the players we currently have.

I agree 100%.

[Indeeeeeeed]

Here's a question - How far can Ben take us without an elite D?

What's sad is people still buy this garbage.

And ANY TIME anyone even says it? They are insulting Ben and his career.

[hawaiiansteel]

Ben Roethlisberger hopeful of deal

Updated: January 6, 2015
By Scott Brown | ESPN.com

PITTSBURGH -- Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger expressed confidence that he and Pittsburgh will agree to a new contract after the 11th-year veteran tied for the NFL lead with 4,952 passing yards and led the Steelers to an AFC North title.



Ben Roethlisberger is entering the final year of his contract in 2015.

Roethlisberger is entering the final year of the eight-year, $102 million deal he signed in 2008, and the Steelers hope to sign him to a contract that will allow the three-time Pro Bowler to finish his career in Pittsburgh.

"I felt great all year [on his contract situation]," Roethlisberger said Tuesday on 93.7 The Fan in Pittsburgh. "Hopefully it's sooner rather than later."

The Steelers normally sign their starting quarterback to a new contract with two years left on his deal. They tabled Roethlisberger's contract talks in July because of their salary-cap situation but said they have every intention of getting a new deal done after the 2014 season.

Team president Art Rooney II has said he wants Roethlisberger to retire as a Steeler.

He is slated to make $11.6 million in the final year of his contract with a cap hit of $18.395 million, according to ESPN Stats & Information. The Steelers could lower the cap hit for 2015 by signing him to a new deal.

Roethlisberger, who turns 33 at the beginning of March, is coming off his best statistical season. The 6-foot-5, 241-pounder became the first player in Steelers history to win at least a share of the NFL passing title. He established franchise single-season marks in passing yards and completions (409) and tied his own Steelers record with 32 touchdown passes.

The Steelers' season ended Saturday night after a 30-17 loss to the visiting Baltimore Ravens in an AFC wild-card game. Roethlisberger threw for 334 yards and a touchdown but was intercepted twice in the Steelers' first-ever playoff loss to the Ravens.

Roethlisberger left the game in the fourth quarter after getting sacked by Ravens outside linebacker Courtney Upshaw, and backup Bruce Gradkowski replaced him for three plays.

After the game, Roethlisberger said he had sustained "whiplash" on the sack. He said on his weekly radio show that he did not sustain a concussion.

[URL]http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/12127998/ben-roethlisberger-hopes-sign-new-contract-pittsburgh-steelers[/URL]