Open up the offense for Pickett?

https://theathletic.com/4789815/2023/08/20/steelers-kenny-pickett-preseason-run-pass/

Kaboly wrote in The Athletic that either the Steelers never really planned to be a ground-and-pound team or Pickett is forcing them to change their plans by performing so well. This isn't just about the preseason games. It is his work over the offseason and in training camp. That led me to question if the Steelers should still try to be a run-oriented offense, or open it up and let Pickett take on more of the load.

With the possible exception of Watt's health, Pickett is the most important variable for the Steelers. Of course, balance is good and Harris and Warren need to get their touches, but what do y'all think? Do they need to let Pickett be more than a game manager this season?

 

I'd keep the passes around 25-30 a game. Sounds like a good mix of run/pass.

 

I hope that Pickett will not be only a game manager...I said during the offseason that I have no problem to be a run first offense but you need some big play with the passing game

The best scenario would be in each week to have a gameplan to attack the weakness of the opposing defense

 

Until AR2 picks his successor and they complete a shift in philosophy the teams identity they will still strongly lean towards strong ground game and tough defense. I think Kenny will make it tough to stack the box though and that will improve the overall game plan.

 

I would like to see whatever works for the game upcoming. Like someone else mentioned....different game plan for different opponents. If one calls for more passes great....if it calls for more runs....so be it. I personally have never liked any Qb passing for more than 34 times....., but I can see when You may have to.

 

That makes sense. Balance is best, but some days that just isn't going to work. Take the loss to Baltimore last season. The running game wasn't there, so they had to be more aggressive with Trubisky throwing. That led to some positive plays, but it also led to three killer interceptions.

Pickett's ability to make big plays without the killer turnovers will be a huge part of the team's success or failure going forward. I thought it was foolish to have Pickett trying to carry the whole offense in his first few starts, but they can't go back to the same ultra-conservative approach they used later in the season, either. They have to give Pickett the opportunity to do more.

 

I may have missed it, but did we even see a jet sweep against the Bills??? Or gasp, a bubble screen? The starting O has been really not been on the field enough to see much, but what we have seen is KP going to Muth and Robinson in the middle, DJ on some nice routes, and Pickens doing his thing. Add in the sweeps (with success), some limited Warren outside running with success, Conner a couple of catches with what he does and I think we get that this is not the dink and dunk we have seen. oh yes forgot about CA3 It all has to formulate in RT, but the weapons and dynamics are there for being able to run the gambit, PA, over the middle, side line, deep. Ball control and quick strike, its all there. As you said, will/can Canada and company come up with a consistant game plan??? Someone (a former player, forget who) said on a recent broadcast, anyone can call a play, not many produce consistent game plans.

 

"but I can see when you may have to" Ben Roethlisberger said thank you The last 3-4 years of Ben's career I would guess 75-80% of games he played, he threw over 34. I think once he hit 60?? He had to throw more in order for us to win the last years but I can't recall how it was early in his career? I loved the early years when we had all the guns and he just kind of managed it.

 

I agree and somewhat disagree. Yes you plan against their strengths and weakness, but you also want to establish what you do best to control the game. This is where a 1a and b back system can help in that plan. Forget egos, use the talent that is best fit against that opposition. Yes the pass plan may call for more 'air', but that is where you use Najee, Warren, and even Conner in high % throws to soften the middle. Now let me get back to madden to figure more out, lol.

 

I know different times, but think about something I just read, Bradshaw called his own plays, he had no QB coach or offensive coordinator, Noll and him figured out a 'plan' as the game went on, lol. My interjection at the end, and I think it was from a recent asked and answered with Labriola. I think Noll would have went nuts if TB threw 60 passes in a game.

 

I think he should play more like what we have seen in preseason honestly. He looks good and our run game at least the eye test shows significant improvement from last year. It's awfully early but I like our chances to compete at a high level.

 

Picket has a good arm compared to Mitch. He seems to be more accurate in his throws. Dude is throwing lasers. So long as route runners run the appropriate routes I see KFP having a stellar year,

 

You can't sit and wait for the 4th quarter and let the QB rip it when your down to push for a victory. Some times it works, sometime it doesn't.

Balance is key. The run run pass thing is outdated. You have to keep the opposing defense guessing into mistakes and confusion. They have plenty of weapons!

I feel they will have a balanced attack. Although is Canada going to be the caveat? He is backed up to the wall to make this thing work. We shall see.

Although I like what i've seen so far from the offense especially Pickett.So far so good. But its a 60 minute game.

 

he / they need to show early and often to team that they have the talent to take the top off.

not sure they can do that. + Canaduh. Lots to see 'if and what' they can do

 

yep - and some team with a STUD Defense shows up from San Fran in a few short weeks....

 

KP Najee and co will prosper as long as we get good O-line play. If Kenny has to run for his life, and Najee, Warren etc hit a brick wall, we could be in trouble on offense.

 

Key matchup is Steelers O-line vs 49ers D-line. If Pickett has time, Steelers should do well and hang with 49ers. If not, it's gonna be a long day.

 

I'd like to see us be able to do both. I don't want the offense to be predictable. I also don't want to over sale Kenny to have to carry it all. We have too many weapons and pieces in place that can help and make this team complete, why not use it all?

 

The Steelers also have a formidable defense, but I feel we have the better offense. For a week 1 game this will have alot of implications as to what this team can do imho

 

Probably 60 minutes either way

 

THANK YOU THANK YOU

 

This is one of the biggest reasons for my TOMLIN hate. You should alter a game plan and mode of attack based on an opponent not the we do things our way no matter what bang a square peg into a circle mentality we so often try to impose.

 

This offense is still a work in progress. Sometimes you might have to pitch through the line-up a couple of times to get the feel for how the game is going. The communication between KP and MC will be incredibly important. I think KP is intelligent enough to change tactics mid-stream if the run game is getting stuffed. He doesn't seem to be worried about personal stats. So, if the run game is getting the job done, I can see KP being all-in on sticking with if or until the opposing defense stops it. I honestly don't think Ben was that open minded. He wanted to sling the ball around no matter what. If you have a 4-possession lead late in the third, then by all means. Ground and pound.

 

Yes we ran a jet sweep, but not with the 1st team.

 

Well one had to hear from the media early in His career that He was only a game manager(hell I remember espn...after Ben had already won a championship saying Shawn King was a better Qb....LoL...Shawn King), and they won not because of Him. You can only hear this so long. While KFP is just starting....like Ben at the beginning of His career....He just wants to win no matter how. We shall see how he feels about that if He's still around about year 7....which I hope He is.