What is the offensive problem?

Not sure if this was covered in another topic or not, but what is the problem with the offense not converting the 3 and 1s and having to settle for field goals? The great thing is its still a win, but I think the defense had a lot to do with that. if they can really capitalize on their drives and the defense plays like they have, number 7 here we come.

 

The three and 1’s are head scratchers. The red zone believe it or not is ben, aside from 2 seasons that’s his Achilles. Nix, JJ, bell brown juju packages lol

 

Maybe I missed something, but what was Watson doing running the ball on 4th & 1? Was this some sort of experiment? Why not leave Bell in for that run?

 

I think Big Ben has a clause in his contract that says QB sneaks aren't allowed.

 

I've wondered this too, I know you're joking but when is the last time we saw him sneak? Hell, last night I watched 40 year old Tom Brady sneak the ball and gain almost 3 yards!

Moreover, on 3rd and 1, why is there no fullback in the game? Nix is one of the best in the game yet he's SO under used

 

That one I really dont get.

 

We can dream that Jerome Bettis was still playing-my favorite Steeler.

 

You beat me to it! I was going to say I've seen Tom Brady sneak it a few times!

 

I also watched a 38 year old Drew Brees go over the top at the goaline.

Don't give me the argument that it's a franchise QB and you don't want him hurt etc.

Didn't seem like the Patriots and Saints cared.

 

The reason we took Bell out is patience is not needed on short yardage runs , if a big RB fails to get 1 yard it's the OL to blame .

As far as sneaking Ben two big problems.Pouncey is not strong enough and Ben is way to fragile .

Ben also limits the runs , because you want quick hitters , Ben can't get to outside mesh points fast enough. Teams now we are running in the A and B gaps only.

Short yardage is a good place for a new package . Maybe a split backfield or even a T backfield like KC shows . Or a Powerhouse like the Panthers run ? But to run those you need a more mobile QB who can fake and pivot and still get to the mesh points.Or even keep it .

We have a QB on the roster who could run those short yardage packages for us .

 

If they run it gets stuffed 90% of the time. If they throw, we all complain about how they didn't run. They need to create some confusion. Too predictable and easy to defend right now. It's either run or bomb to AB. Defense is just going to sell out on the run and leave it up to the corner to do his job on AB. Come out in shotgun with Bell next to Ben. Either draw, Bell in flat, AB run a drag, MB fly.

 

We have 3 good RB'S . Take Ben out and insert Dobbs and use the T formation. You can dive Conner or Watson or fake to either of them and pitch to Bell . Run Iso to either side to all the gaps. Run the triple option. Run a swing pass game to Bell. Run QB sneaks and Boots .

A lot more looks and could threaten every gap and the outside as well. This is how you run effectively on short yardage . Ben makes it to predictable .

 

He's been doing the short yardage a few times this season. What I don't get is why nix isn't in there leading the way?

 

Obviously the problem is Haley and Ben working together as water & oil. Calls being made off the cuff are becoming a fail, i seen frustration from Ben while Haley and JuJu watched porn..Seriously i stated in a thread last week the work load is not being distributed / utilized in appropriate situations. Not using TE's (RZ /EZ) no focus on other receivers when Brown is in double / triple coverage. They are so predictable with the BROWN & BELL duet. Field goals do mount but not good enough in playoffs~ Championship games. Need to fix this ASAP.

 

I agree with you guys on Ben being the biggest issue on third and short.

But, an issue is definitely the lack of respect for Bell's game. Dude is as good as anyone in the game when it counts -- PLAY HIM ON THIRD AND SHORT.

On another note, we've had a lot of guys just drop passes in the end zone. Marty has dropped at least one that I can remember and Vance has two -- one being yesterday.

 

TH doesn't understand that using a FB on 3rd and 1 with Conner lining up behind Nix is his best option. Not many teams will stop that play but instead they put Bell in the back field solo against a stacked box. Frustrates me to no end.

 

I so agree this how you fix 3rd and 1

 

You and me both, he should be leading the way.

 

It could be either too much THC( Todd Haley Calls) in our system or not enough THC in MBs system or a combination......
Kidding aside I don't think a few RZ attempts to MB could hurt either way...he gets his opportunity and we may actually score....

 

This is it. Would like to see this at least once. My bet is we get the yard.

 

It isn't the QB or running back, you guys aren't paying attention. Tony Romo was quick to point out the problem, they come out in the same formation and the opposing team knows where the play is going. you have Brown out wide and with LBers and safeties crowding the line there is no room for a crossing route or slant so the only other option to throw the ball is a go route. For the run you know it is going "a" or "b" gap. The problem with trying to run or sneak is the o-line isn't built like it use to be, for years the Steelers used big o-linemen when they used the power run game under Cowher, but now with faster backs we use smaller more athletic linemen at the center and guard positions and they don't generate that forward push needed to simply run straight ahead. They can fix the issue by running a second receiver instead of the double TE set, that would make the other team use an extra DB as well as keeping a single high safety, or even employing a full back but Haley doesn't like doing that for some reason. The same thing in the red zone, the first issue is to get McDonald off the field in the red zone, he is too inconsistent catching the ball when it hits him in the numbers let alone having to reach for a ball. The other issue is the play selection, they come out in formations that have very few options and as we have witnessed in the passing game this season, teams know where the WR are going before the snap and what you get is tight coverage with little to know room to complete a pass, the plays need to have options, not the constant empty sets or no full back and shotgun formations, yeah, there could be better throws and execution but the play calling makes it tough as teams aren't guessing, they know what is coming and where the play is going and it won't change until Haley does.

 

They look confused to me.