Roethlisberger back to old Habits?

[NorthCoast]

Didn't see the game and would like comment from those that did; a poster at another site was at the game and claimed Bell was wide open most of the day for checkdowns but Roethlisberger rarely looked his way, but instead kept eyes down field. Last season he learned to use Bell that way.

In a game where OL protection was apparently sketchy, wouldn't it make sense to take the outlet pass and try to slow the rush? Did Fisher see something in the first two games?

[feltdizz]

Didn't see the game and would like comment from those that did; a poster at another site was at the game and claimed Bell was wide open most of the day for checkdowns but Roethlisberger rarely looked his way, but instead kept eyes down field. Last season he learned to use Bell that way.

In a game where OL protection was apparently sketchy, wouldn't it make sense to take the outlet pass and try to slow the rush? Did Fisher see something in the first two games?

I think the problem is Ben started hot...

the OL gave him good protection on the first few drives but then the Rams ramped up the pressure and we never adjusted.

The Rams DL is onw of the best and it looked like we didnt believe the reports

[skyhawk]

Steelers abandoned the quick passes they used early to negate the Rams dominating line. And it likely cost them the season.

[bostonsteeler]

Didn't see the game and would like comment from those that did; a poster at another site was at the game and claimed Bell was wide open most of the day for checkdowns but Roethlisberger rarely looked his way, but instead kept eyes down field. Last season he learned to use Bell that way.

In a game where OL protection was apparently sketchy, wouldn't it make sense to take the outlet pass and try to slow the rush? Did Fisher see something in the first two games?

Ben was 20 of 24 for 192 yards.

Does that sound like a lot of random throwing downfield?

[AzStillers1989]

Both Skyhawk and feltdizz seem to be hitting sense on the subject. The gameplan should have been quick passes and screens all game long. I get that going downfield is enticing to this offense and could have been used sparingly. However the d-line of the rams was all over us and could have been counter acted with the quick game and screen game. Oh well though, lets just hope ben is only down 4-6 game (adam shefter report) and Vick and Co. can win us 4-5 games....

~~

[RobinCole]

Bell had seven receptions today. Last year he averaged about 5.3 catches per game.

[SanAntonioSteelerFan]

Just my personal opinion, but what does it matter, now that Ben being out/injured and all?

[Mr.wizard]

The game plan was fine, Ben was doing the same thing he does every game. O-line protection was not sketchy, and Bens injury wasn't the result of bad o-line play.

[pittpete]

Love talking Steeler football with people that don't watch the games

[pittpete]

O-line play was a little sketchy IMO..
If Brady was hit like Ben was, intentional or not there would've been flags all over the FN place.

[7upnext]

Didn't see the game and would like comment from those that did; a poster at another site was at the game and claimed Bell was wide open most of the day for checkdowns but Roethlisberger rarely looked his way, but instead kept eyes down field. Last season he learned to use Bell that way.

In a game where OL protection was apparently sketchy, wouldn't it make sense to take the outlet pass and try to slow the rush? Did Fisher see something in the first two games?

Ben has lapses like this. I saw a couple of instances where he could have taken what the defense gave him. That type of playing (backyard..go for big gains) is just in his nature. It's part of what makes him one of the best of all time. When he takes those outlets I think he takes it to an even higher level (top 3 in game) but changing his nature isn't easy. I think it's like trying to change a option QB to under center or changing someone's throwing motion (Tebow). You can do it, but obviously when in the moment you can revert back to old habits. I'm not sure the injury was because of it though. That was a fluke play imo.

[bostonsteeler]

Ben has lapses like this. I saw a couple of instances where he could have taken what the defense gave him. That type of playing (backyard..go for big gains) is just in his nature. It's part of what makes him one of the best of all time. When he takes those outlets I think he takes it to an even higher level (top 3 in game) but changing his nature isn't easy. I think it's like trying to change a option QB to under center or changing someone's throwing motion (Tebow). You can do it, but obviously when in the moment you can revert back to old habits. I'm not sure the injury was because of it though. That was a fluke play imo.

Dude,

He only missed on 4 passes. One of them was the int. I didn't watch the int live, but from the replay it appeared he overestimated the speed of the WR, who got easily overtaken by the DB who dashed forward to get to the ball. The ball was catchable, or at least the pass was disruptable -- the DB was a step behind Wheaton, but sped ahead and was fully two steps ahead of Wheaton to get to the ball. The throw was boneheaded because there was a safety out back covering it too, and Bell, I think, was open downfield.

Besides that one boneheaded throw, there wasnt a lot of bad passing going on. 20 of 23 is a great stat. Brown had 11 catches. Bell had 7.

[WindyCitySteel]

It's probably a good thing Ben is out for a few weeks so we don't have to suffer through more 20-24 performances against the best defense in the league.

[Oviedo]

Love talking Steeler football with people that don't watch the games

Funny isn't it. The bottom line is that the Rams' very good defense tightened up but our offense was still dominant until a "cheap shot" took out Ben. There was no issues with the play calling at all.

[Ghost]

The O and the O-line started off on fire. First drive was 12 plays and 77 yards. Hated only getting a FG but Ben had all kinds of time. Second drive was more of the same - 12 plays for 92 yards and a TD. At that point I would have given the game ball to the O-line. I really thought they were going to be unstoppable and we'd see 30+ points for sure. Then it just fell apart. 2 plays and an INT. 5 plays and 15 yards (half) Then 10 plays to get a measly 20 yards and Ben goes out. What just happened...

For Vick to have a chance, Bell (and the O-line) will need to be better running the ball. If not for a couple of long runs, he was consistently stuffed time and again. Also hoping Vick went ahead, packed a bag, and just moved into the Steelers facilities for the week.