Did anybody else feel like

[SteelerOfDeVille]

Here's what I felt when watching the 1st half.

The offense came out trying to prove they can go downfield. I'm not sure if it was due to media response, or if it was due to defenses playing so close to the LOS. But, they literally came out and chucked a ball downfield on the first play. After seeing Ben, time and time again, try and MISS on passes longer than 10-15 yards, which led to multiple 3 and outs to begin the game it got frustrating.

I'm still not sure if it's injury or father time, but he simply missed over and over and worse yet, he misread a number of passes.

Having said that, it did seem that in the second half the defense loosened up, allowing running lanes for Snell (would have been the same with Conner). BUT, as we started moving the ball, it was because of the short passing game again.

On the game:
Diontae, 8-59, with a long of 23. His other 7 went for 36 yards (i.e., about 5 yards per catch).
JuJu, 3-15, with a long of 21. His other 2 catches went for negative 6.
Claypool, 3-54, even his 37 yard catch was @ the LOS.

Again, what i saw was a team trying to prove it could go downfield. What they proved last night was that they cannot.

What Finchtner should be tasked with for the remainder of the season is coming up with an offense that allows Ben to throw it as far as he can accurately (if that's a 12-yard dig route, so be it). But, that'll loosen up the defense, create a few running lanes. Then, I'd also stick primarily with the short passing game because it's where we got our 17 points, and is also where we got to 11-0. Finally, I'd focus on establishing the run so play-action is effective in sucking up the linebackers.

[flippy]

The game plan seemed reasonable until it exposed Ben for what he is.

I couldn't believe what we were watching.

I think it could get worse now that team's know for sure that Ben's got no arm. I see tougher sledding from here on out. The offense we need to run doesn't really align well with Ben's former style of play.

I think there's an easy out to put in Mason and say Ben's hurt. He very well could be because the drop off in arm strength is almost too big to seem possible.

Mason doesn't have a huge arm and doesn't make fast decisions either, so it could be a complete disaster. But I know Mason can make throws 20-40 yards down field and that has to open some stuff up for the running game and screens, slants, etc.

The D has to bail us out. I'm hopeful the D may be able to right itself once we get VW back. All these 1st rounders on D and I'm pinning my hopes on VW.

I know it would put us right back in 2019 to go with Mason, but what else can we do at this point?

[SteelerOfDeVille]

agreed. it exposed the arm as a weakness. And is disturbing. Seriously.

i think the thing that bothered me more is that Ben doesn't know it. on the late drives, he continued to take shots downfield when guys were open underneath.

you've cut it to 7 with short passes. you have the ball back. why did he even attempt the long-ball to claypool? granted, it was a pass interference that should have been called, but take your 5 yard passes and hope one of your guys breaks it for a big gain. tie the game and go to overtime.

[Northern_Blitz]

I think they tried to put some PA and deeper passes on tape in the hopes that they could get other teams to try to defend these things.

But the fact that we generally sucked at everything in the 1st half probably means other teams will continue not to respect anything but our short passing game.

[Ghost]

What are they doing in practice that leads to the team & Ben being surprised come game time he can't hit a man over 10 yards consistently. Do they ever discuss with him the number of batted balls? Its as if he has no idea every lineman will have their arms up. What is done all week to come out looking like that the entire first half. Complete incompetence.

[papillon]

Here's what I felt when watching the 1st half.

The offense came out trying to prove they can go downfield. I'm not sure if it was due to media response, or if it was due to defenses playing so close to the LOS. But, they literally came out and chucked a ball downfield on the first play. After seeing Ben, time and time again, try and MISS on passes longer than 10-15 yards, which led to multiple 3 and outs to begin the game it got frustrating.

I'm still not sure if it's injury or father time, but he simply missed over and over and worse yet, he misread a number of passes.

Having said that, it did seem that in the second half the defense loosened up, allowing running lanes for Snell (would have been the same with Conner). BUT, as we started moving the ball, it was because of the short passing game again.

On the game:
Diontae, 8-59, with a long of 23. His other 7 went for 36 yards (i.e., about 5 yards per catch).
JuJu, 3-15, with a long of 21. His other 2 catches went for negative 6.
Claypool, 3-54, even his 37 yard catch was @ the LOS.

Again, what i saw was a team trying to prove it could go downfield. What they proved last night was that they cannot.

What Finchtner should be tasked with for the remainder of the season is coming up with an offense that allows Ben to throw it as far as he can accurately (if that's a 12-yard dig route, so be it). But, that'll loosen up the defense, create a few running lanes. Then, I'd also stick primarily with the short passing game because it's where we got our 17 points, and is also where we got to 11-0. Finally, I'd focus on establishing the run so play-action is effective in sucking up the linebackers.

Here's what it looked like to me. Let me first say that Ben is probably my favorite Steeler ever, including all the guys from the 70s. He put his heart and soul into the game and provided exciting football for 17 years. That said.

- For the first time I think I see in Ben a bit of realization that he isn't going to get the time he now needs to go downfield. A younger Ben, worked the pocket, shook off tackles and always had his eyes downfield. Now he looks nervous because the line isn't great and he isn't mobile any longer

- When he can set and throw, the ball comes out clean

- The nervousness is causing accuracy issues

- He knows the tackles just aren't getting it done. Chuks was as much a turnstile as AV.

- Ben's immobility in the pocket is leading to multiple batted balls at the LOS every game

- Basically, Ben needs a clean pocket now and he isn't getting one and that isn't changing

I hate it but I think Ben's time is done. I wish him well in the final 2 games and whatever magic he can produce in the playoffs (or not). I'll wait for his HOF induction. Call it a career big guy, 2 SBs, top 10 all-time in nearly every quarterback category, what a career. Steeler fans are about to find out just how good Ben was for 16.5 years. I'd love to be wrong and see him turn this around but the final drive last night put alot into perspective. That was a situation in which Ben more often than not was successful, last night, he threw 4 bad passes and didn't gain a yard.

Pappy

[SteelerOfDeVille]

Here's what it looked like to me. Let me first say that Ben is probably my favorite Steeler ever, including all the guys from the 70s. He put his heart and soul into the game and provided exciting football for 17 years. That said.

- For the first time I think I see in Ben a bit of realization that he isn't going to get the time he now needs to go downfield. A younger Ben, worked the pocket, shook off tackles and always had his eyes downfield. Now he looks nervous because the line isn't great and he isn't mobile any longer

- When he can set and throw, the ball comes out clean

- The nervousness is causing accuracy issues

- He knows the tackles just aren't getting it done. Chuks was as much a turnstile as AV.

- Ben's immobility in the pocket is leading to multiple batted balls at the LOS every game

- Basically, Ben needs a clean pocket now and he isn't getting one and that isn't changing

I hate it but I think Ben's time is done. I wish him well in the final 2 games and whatever magic he can produce in the playoffs (or not). I'll wait for his HOF induction. Call it a career big guy, 2 SBs, top 10 all-time in nearly every quarterback category, what a career. Steeler fans are about to find out just how good Ben was for 16.5 years. I'd love to be wrong and see him turn this around but the final drive last night put alot into perspective. That was a situation in which Ben more often than not was successful, last night, he threw 4 bad passes and didn't gain a yard.

Pappy

Pap, they were all bad decisions on that final drive. That's the thing. I can live with the right read and a miss due to being rushed. But, eff it, i'll just throw it here is not what you'd expect from a vet....

[pfelix73]

Here's what it looked like to me. Let me first say that Ben is probably my favorite Steeler ever, including all the guys from the 70s. He put his heart and soul into the game and provided exciting football for 17 years. That said.

- For the first time I think I see in Ben a bit of realization that he isn't going to get the time he now needs to go downfield. A younger Ben, worked the pocket, shook off tackles and always had his eyes downfield. Now he looks nervous because the line isn't great and he isn't mobile any longer

- When he can set and throw, the ball comes out clean

- The nervousness is causing accuracy issues

- He knows the tackles just aren't getting it done. Chuks was as much a turnstile as AV.

- Ben's immobility in the pocket is leading to multiple batted balls at the LOS every game

- Basically, Ben needs a clean pocket now and he isn't getting one and that isn't changing

I hate it but I think Ben's time is done. I wish him well in the final 2 games and whatever magic he can produce in the playoffs (or not). I'll wait for his HOF induction. Call it a career big guy, 2 SBs, top 10 all-time in nearly every quarterback category, what a career. Steeler fans are about to find out just how good Ben was for 16.5 years. I'd love to be wrong and see him turn this around but the final drive last night put alot into perspective. That was a situation in which Ben more often than not was successful, last night, he threw 4 bad passes and didn't gain a yard.

Pappy

I was always taught as a football offensive lineman, that when the QB has tipped passes, its the OL's fault. I think the big guys up front are so confused. They practice this short game blocking, then they change the plan to throw more down field, and the Tackles are all out of whack pass blocking because they have to protect a few seconds longer. Then, to run block, they are just out of sync. Man blocking with the guard pulls seem to work well. I'd like to see Dotson back this week in at LG. He's a beast. Of course, a FB would help to. I think letting Nix go, was a mistake.

Personally, I don't think we should count Ben out. In fact, because of that salary cap, we should be prepared that he'll be back next year.

[Steel Maniac]

The game plan seemed reasonable until it exposed Ben for what he is.

I couldn't believe what we were watching.

I think it could get worse now that team's know for sure that Ben's got no arm. I see tougher sledding from here on out. The offense we need to run doesn't really align well with Ben's former style of play.

I think there's an easy out to put in Mason and say Ben's hurt. He very well could be because the drop off in arm strength is almost too big to seem possible.

Mason doesn't have a huge arm and doesn't make fast decisions either, so it could be a complete disaster. But I know Mason can make throws 20-40 yards down field and that has to open some stuff up for the running game and screens, slants, etc.

The D has to bail us out. I'm hopeful the D may be able to right itself once we get VW back. All these 1st rounders on D and I'm pinning my hopes on VW.

I know it would put us right back in 2019 to go with Mason, but what else can we do at this point?

So how aggressive ( if any) do you believe the front office will be in the off season to really find a legit QB?

[hawaiiansteel]

So how aggressive ( if any) do you believe the front office will be in the off season to really find a legit QB?

what do you suggest?

[feltdizz]

Here's what it looked like to me. Let me first say that Ben is probably my favorite Steeler ever, including all the guys from the 70s. He put his heart and soul into the game and provided exciting football for 17 years. That said.

- For the first time I think I see in Ben a bit of realization that he isn't going to get the time he now needs to go downfield. A younger Ben, worked the pocket, shook off tackles and always had his eyes downfield. Now he looks nervous because the line isn't great and he isn't mobile any longer

- When he can set and throw, the ball comes out clean

- The nervousness is causing accuracy issues

- He knows the tackles just aren't getting it done. Chuks was as much a turnstile as AV.

- Ben's immobility in the pocket is leading to multiple batted balls at the LOS every game

- Basically, Ben needs a clean pocket now and he isn't getting one and that isn't changing

I hate it but I think Ben's time is done. I wish him well in the final 2 games and whatever magic he can produce in the playoffs (or not). I'll wait for his HOF induction. Call it a career big guy, 2 SBs, top 10 all-time in nearly every quarterback category, what a career. Steeler fans are about to find out just how good Ben was for 16.5 years. I'd love to be wrong and see him turn this around but the final drive last night put alot into perspective. That was a situation in which Ben more often than not was successful, last night, he threw 4 bad passes and didn't gain a yard.

Pappy

The fact that the D worked to get the ball back and they didn’t gain a single yard was pathetic.

and someone said the OL might be confused. Its just blocking. Its not that hard. I definitely blame the coaches for AV not having any help on that last play.

[papillon]

I was always taught as a football offensive lineman, that when the QB has tipped passes, its the OL's fault. I think the big guys up front are so confused. They practice this short game blocking, then they change the plan to throw more down field, and the Tackles are all out of whack pass blocking because they have to protect a few seconds longer. Then, to run block, they are just out of sync. Man blocking with the guard pulls seem to work well. I'd like to see Dotson back this week in at LG. He's a beast. Of course, a FB would help to. I think letting Nix go, was a mistake.

Personally, I don't think we should count Ben out. In fact, because of that salary cap, we should be prepared that he'll be back next year.

I can't debate the nuances of the game with you, I played one year as a freshman and that was it for me. So, what I know about football comes from watching from afar. But, I will say this, while you may have been taught that its the linemen's fault if a pass is blocked at the LOS, I have a hard time blaming the linemen last night, Ben simply didn't move at all to give himself a clear line of sight, I didn't see one pump fake to move a linemen, just the little things that Ben has done for a long time weren't there. Now some of it could be the linemen, on a quick throw, I would assume as a linemen you're expected to engage the man in front of you to try and limit his ability to get his hands in the air to knock down a pass or cut him or do anything to limit his ability to block a pass.

I hope Ben isn't done but as DeVille mentioned above, Ben just seemed to make poor decisions, the game seemed too fast for him except for a couple drives in the 3rd quarter where he looked like the Ben we all love. Hey, maybe, he can get it turned around against the Colts and Browns, they will be good tests heading into the playoffs.

Pappy

[steeler_fan_in_t.o.]

Here's what it looked like to me. Let me first say that Ben is probably my favorite Steeler ever, including all the guys from the 70s. He put his heart and soul into the game and provided exciting football for 17 years. That said.

- For the first time I think I see in Ben a bit of realization that he isn't going to get the time he now needs to go downfield. A younger Ben, worked the pocket, shook off tackles and always had his eyes downfield. Now he looks nervous because the line isn't great and he isn't mobile any longer

- When he can set and throw, the ball comes out clean

- The nervousness is causing accuracy issues

- He knows the tackles just aren't getting it done. Chuks was as much a turnstile as AV.

- Ben's immobility in the pocket is leading to multiple batted balls at the LOS every game

- Basically, Ben needs a clean pocket now and he isn't getting one and that isn't changing

I hate it but I think Ben's time is done. I wish him well in the final 2 games and whatever magic he can produce in the playoffs (or not). I'll wait for his HOF induction. Call it a career big guy, 2 SBs, top 10 all-time in nearly every quarterback category, what a career. Steeler fans are about to find out just how good Ben was for 16.5 years. I'd love to be wrong and see him turn this around but the final drive last night put alot into perspective. That was a situation in which Ben more often than not was successful, last night, he threw 4 bad passes and didn't gain a yard.

Pappy

Ben is one of my all time faves as well. I've said for awhile that he is playing like he is afraid to get hit. Back in the day he seemed to thrive on it, like he couldn't get into the game without getting hit once or twice first. Now he seems like he has PTSD, like he hears phantom footsteps. If there is an unknown reason then that's one thing. If this is who he is now then he is done.

[MCHammer]

I saw a team with little to no room for error make stupid errors. I was encouraged with how the offense responded in the 3rd quarter. I saw a Ben move the ball, throw some nice passes and I saw Snell run the ball with authority. Snell is our best RB at this point and I don't think it is particularly close. Not that he is great, but he runs harder than Conner in my view and we need that because the line is so awful.

We need to limit slow developing run plays that expose us to tackles in the backfield. That just puts greater pressure on Ben and the dropsy receivers to get first downs.

I realize the short passes are anticipated, but that does not mean we can afford to send everyone deep. Ben had the ball with over 2 minutes left and the team down by 7. We went 4 and out. I recall at least 3 of those 4 plays trying to pick up the first down in a single play. Not smart. It would have been nice to see someone sneak underneath or RB into the flat after a few seconds. 2nd and 6 is a lot better than 2nd and 10. That series was very demoralizing and was unlike the ones before it in the second half. It was uninspired and nonsensical in context.

[Northern_Blitz]

Here's what it looked like to me. Let me first say that Ben is probably my favorite Steeler ever, including all the guys from the 70s. He put his heart and soul into the game and provided exciting football for 17 years. That said.

- For the first time I think I see in Ben a bit of realization that he isn't going to get the time he now needs to go downfield. A younger Ben, worked the pocket, shook off tackles and always had his eyes downfield. Now he looks nervous because the line isn't great and he isn't mobile any longer

- When he can set and throw, the ball comes out clean

- The nervousness is causing accuracy issues

- He knows the tackles just aren't getting it done. Chuks was as much a turnstile as AV.

- Ben's immobility in the pocket is leading to multiple batted balls at the LOS every game

- Basically, Ben needs a clean pocket now and he isn't getting one and that isn't changing

I hate it but I think Ben's time is done. I wish him well in the final 2 games and whatever magic he can produce in the playoffs (or not). I'll wait for his HOF induction. Call it a career big guy, 2 SBs, top 10 all-time in nearly every quarterback category, what a career. Steeler fans are about to find out just how good Ben was for 16.5 years. I'd love to be wrong and see him turn this around but the final drive last night put alot into perspective. That was a situation in which Ben more often than not was successful, last night, he threw 4 bad passes and didn't gain a yard.

Pappy

It's been a great run and I'm happy they I got to see the whole thing live.

Hoping he's got 4 playoff wins left in him.

Manning won a SB when he was bad at the end.

Let's go out on top, right?