Labriola points out Steeler offense re: loss to **s

[SanAntonioSteelerFan]

http://www.steelers.com/news/labriola-on/article-1/Labriola-on-Landry-Romo-2011-vs-NE/487c6486-1cb7-4cc3-9da1-9adfd53211b1

* Been hearing a lot about the 2011 regular season matchup between the Patriots and the Steelers, and how it was the defense’s press-man coverage and pass rush that befuddled and throttled Tom Brady in a game the Steelers won, 25-17.

* Looked it up. That’s not true.

* In that game, Brady completed 68.6 percent, with two touchdowns, no interceptions, and a rating of 101.8. He also was 2-for-2 in the red zone. Neither befuddled nor throttled.

* The Steelers won that game on offense. By running 78 plays and rolling up 29 first downs through converting 63 percent on third downs. The Steelers held the ball for 39 minutes, 22 seconds, and while doing so they gained 427 yards of offense. In that game, the Steelers had five separate offensive possessions in which they ran 10-plus plays: 11 plays for 68 yards, 16 plays for 72 yards, 10 plays for 76 yards, 14 plays for 80 yards, 11 plays for 56 yards. Granted, being 2-for-5 in the red zone is what kept the game from being a blowout, but clearly the control the Steelers established in that game was by their offense.

* So, yes to all of you who have been so dedicated in sending submissions to Asked and Answered to point out that the way for the Steelers to defeat the Patriots is to copy the script from the game in 2011. I completely agree. That is the only way. Keep the ball away from Brady.

I know it's poor form to think of injuries after a loss, but I can't help but wonder how much more time of possession we would have had with Bell not on the sidelines, and with Harrison not with a broken wing (meaning he might have forced one or two 3 and outs, increasing our TOP).

[SanAntonioSteelerFan]

(And he backs up his position with details here: http://www.steelers.com/news/labriol...e-4add358e2918 )

[feltdizz]

This isn't entirely true. We did march down the field in 11 plays for a 7-0 lead. Patriots first possession was 3 and out. That first 3 and out is HUGE and it's because we played bump and run.

Then we had the typical 16 play drive for a FG. Lmao.

Pats followed that with a 9 play drive for 21 yards. They drew a PI on Gay but we forced 2 incompletion's on short passes and sacked Brady in 3rd down. (Probably because we disrupted the timing).

Ben then threw an INT deep in our own territory and the Pats scored a TD.

After all those plays it's still a 10 to 7 game.

We scored a TD on the next possession and the Pats scored a FG.

17 to 10 at the half.

Second half the Pats go 3 and out. HUGE!!!

We had the typical 14 play drive for a FG.

We basically had the game wrapped up even though it was closer than it should have been due to our love of FG's.

Notice the QB rating was used for Brady but the yardage was omitted. Brady only threw for 198 yards and was sacked 3 times and the last sack resulted in a fumble that went out the end zone. Brady was 24/35 and didn't have the 10 straight completions he normally has every time he plays our zone.

No matter how long we hold the ball it still comes down to stopping the Pats offense. There was never a point where the game was truly out of hand so it's not like Brady and company had to change their game plan.

[BradshawsHairdresser]

This isn't entirely true. We did march down the field in 11 plays for a 7-0 lead. Patriots first possession was 3 and out. That first 3 and out is HUGE and it's because we played bump and run.

Then we had the typical 16 play drive for a FG. Lmao.

Pats followed that with a 9 play drive for 21 yards. They drew a PI on Gay but we forced 2 incompletion's on short passes and sacked Brady in 3rd down. (Probably because we disrupted the timing).

Ben then threw an INT deep in our own territory and the Pats scored a TD.

After all those plays it's still a 10 to 7 game.

We scored a TD on the next possession and the Pats scored a FG.

17 to 10 at the half.

Second half the Pats go 3 and out. HUGE!!!

We had the typical 14 play drive for a FG.

We basically had the game wrapped up even though it was closer than it should have been due to our love of FG's.

Notice the QB rating was used for Brady but the yardage was omitted. Brady only threw for 198 yards and was sacked 3 times and the last sack resulted in a fumble that went out the end zone. Brady was 24/35 and didn't have the 10 straight completions he normally has every time he plays our zone.

No matter how long we hold the ball it still comes down to stopping the Pats offense. There was never a point where the game was truly out of hand so it's not like Brady and company had to change their game plan.

$$$$$$
I remember that game in 2011. Brady was frustrated by our D--they held him to under 200 yards and 17 points, for crying out loud.

Bottom line, the offense deserves some blame for last week's fiasco, but a lot more has to fall on the D. Both are going to need to be better if the Steelers are to have a decent shot at going to the Super Bowl.

[feltdizz]

Brady ripped into his OL. Funny how exposed his OL is when you cover the WRs and put some pressure on him.

Brady isnt the type to throw back shoulder passes.

I dont see how anyone can watch that game in 2011 and come away saying it wasnt the defense. Even when our offense has long drives we usually kick a few FGs so it still comes down to the D getting stops.

[NorthCoast]

It's even simpler than that, lose the turnover battle, lose the game. Turnovers are the #1 predictor of win/loss.

[feltdizz]

It's even simpler than that, lose the turnover battle, lose the game. Turnovers are the #1 predictor of win/loss.

in 2011 we had an INT that resulted in 7 points and the Pats had a fumble that resulted in a safety.

I think we need to throw everything out the window except for the man to man press coverage.

lets look at the we gave up from our games vs Brady with Tomlin and company.
39 - loss
17 - won - only time we switched the D to press coverage
55 - loss
28 - loss
27 - loss
36 - loss


I don't understand what the hell we are trying to do when we play NE besides lose.

[SanAntonioSteelerFan]

in 2011 we had an INT that resulted in 7 points and the Pats had a fumble that resulted in a safety.

I think we need to throw everything out the window except for the man to man press coverage.

lets look at the we gave up from our games vs Brady with Tomlin and company.
39 - loss
17 - won - only time we switched the D to press coverage
55 - loss
28 - loss
27 - loss
36 - loss


I don't understand what the hell we are trying to do when we play NE besides lose.

I don't know what to think. If the defense consisting of 3 rookies and a crippled Harrison was just felt to not be talented enough to cover the **s bump/man at the line, then what could we do?

[feltdizz]

I don't know what to think. If the defense consisting of 3 rookies and a crippled Harrison was just felt to not be talented enough to cover the **s bump/man at the line, then what could we do?

3 rookies who played well and were primarily responsible for improving our D. I don't think Harrison was crippled. He was just in coverage for most of the night instead of rushing the QB.

[SS Laser]

Go back farther to Cowhers days with Ben. There is another game were the Steelers beat the undefeated pats with offense first and foremost. Don't remember how good a day it was on D. Good I expect. But that Offensive matters Vs the good QB's who will also put up points.

[feltdizz]

Go back farther to Cowhers days with Ben. There is another game were the Steelers beat the undefeated pats with offense first and foremost. Don't remember how good a day it was on D. Good I expect. But that Offensive matters Vs the good QB's who will also put up points.

2004. Bens rookie year. We had a pick 6 in that game. I don't think Ben had my fear playing against anyone until the playoffs started and then it got too big for him. We lost to them in the AFCCG that year. Big Ben was a monster his rookie year but he was ugly Ben in his first year in the playoffs.

I think that game probably gave us confidence our scheme could beat them but I think they made adjustments from that point in and we never countered until 2011.

[NorthCoast]

in 2011 we had an INT that resulted in 7 points and the Pats had a fumble that resulted in a safety.

I think we need to throw everything out the window except for the man to man press coverage.

lets look at the we gave up from our games vs Brady with Tomlin and company.
39 - loss
17 - won - only time we switched the D to press coverage
55 - loss
28 - loss
27 - loss
36 - loss


I don't understand what the hell we are trying to do when we play NE besides lose.

Some teams/coaches just have their opponents number. There are other such combinations out there but what is shocking is the Steelers generally have competitive teams whereas these other dominations are with bad vs good teams.

[SS Laser]

Wow clear back with a rookie Ben. There also was not much tape on the young man at that point which I think helps at times. And Ben should have been more of a game manager which makes it even more interesting to me. And yea I remember the end to that season also.

[Sword]

The main post is for sure not accurate.... I always quote that game over the years and the Defense sure the hell didn't play zone that game and then drop back pass rushers...
We put heavy pressure on Brady that game.....
I remember that game like it was played yesterday.....