Why can’t the Steelers run the ball?

I tend to agree with this.
They just don't try to.
They just don't have that stick with it ability that you need.
They seem to do a few runs here and there with limited success, then just go away from it because its not "working."
People forget, back in the Bettis days, the run game wasn't always successful right away. It took time to get it going. They don't do that now.

 

The Jaguars spent a top-5 pick on running back.
The last time the Steelers had a top-5 pick, they selected Terry Bradshaw.
The highest pick since then was used on running back, picking Tim Worley at 7 in 1989. (Didn't turn out well.)

Also, the fact that the Jaguars are at 1-10 is part of your answer.
A team can put in the resources to run the ball, and still be eliminated already from making the playoffs.

The NFL has made changes over the last 20-30 years to make the game more pass oriented.
As long as the team has Ben playing at a high level, take advantage of that.

I know you are arguing that it is better to have an effective run game vs. not having one, but you are making it sound like there are no drawbacks to making that happen. The Ravens did that last year, and after a monster regular season had a quick exit in the playoffs, and might not make the playoffs this year.

 

That RB they selected in the top 5 was a bust, he is no longer on their roster and is not a factor whatsoever in what the Jags are doing this season, their feature back is an undrafted free agent in fact. I’m not using the Jags as an example of best practice, suggesting that the Steelers use a first round pick on a running back or become a run first offence or anything like that. It was just an observation in relation to numerous limited teams that seem to be able to run much better than us.

I fully agree it is a passing league and I really like what the steelers have done in assembling their receiver corp and I think it’s a great approach. I just feel that if we go in to the postseason with Ben throwing it 50+ times a game it likely won’t end well. If you don’t at least have some threat on the ground teams can use that against you. I hate bringing up KC yet again but can you imagine giving Mahomes all those quick three and outs like they did v Baltimore!!

Steelers should be able to do more on the ground with what they have is my point. Even bang average play on the ground would be perfectly fine.

I think going from this thread it’s probably a combination of issues, OLine, play-calling, box counts, personnel, and a lack of commitment to the running game due to Bens preference for the pass.

 

The Jags leading rusher in 2020 was undrafted. James Robinson.

 

I think Ben's preference for the pass is because we can't run the ball well.

What is obvious when watching the run plays, there seems to be no push from the offensive lineman, compare this when you see good running teams you see linemen pushing and driving hard on short running plays and also down field blocking looks way better.

 

Sorry, I posted while you were posting.
The main reason I see, is the Jags offensive line has the horses that the Steelers Oline does not.

 

Ben's passing could be part of our problem. When we're throwing so many short passes the opponents defense is up close to the LOS making it hard to run. I'll have to do more observing next game to see how many defenders are within 3-5 yards of the ball on run plays. At first I was putting the blame on our OL but there are only so many DL they can block before the play gets blown up at the line or behind it. DBs and LB's may be playing close when they know its a run and we can't get out side. So, unless we are able to stretch the field, there is no reason for a defense to not play up for the dink and dunk or stop the run. Got to get a vertical passing game IMO>

 

Partly agree. I think Ben is extra determined to win it all. He sees this is a special year and opportunity for us. So yeah, he wants to throw the ball more to contribute more and he has the receivers. If he had a powerful run game too, we would be unstoppable on offense, but we don`t have that. Our 0-line has shown for years they are better at pass blocking than run blocking and now even our pass blocking is deteriorating a bit. On occasion, we play against a team where we have decent matchup at the line and can run effectively, but that seems to happen less and less. With that said, we lean on our strength which is throwing the ball. NE got away with that unbalanced attack during Brady era and that is what our offense kind of looks like right now.

I expect when we draft we will be looking at 0-line.

 

Maybe that is a better answer.
It takes a lot of resources to make a line that can run block and pass protect.
(That includes being willing to spend high draft picks on RB, even if it doesn't work out.
The top-6 teams this year by rushing yards/attempt have 2nd rounders.)
Would it be worth it, if it meant losing key pieces of the defense?

4 examples of "one or the other but not both":
Steelers - 1st in offensive sacks/pass attempt at 2.2%, 27th in rushing yards/attempt at 3.8
Colts - 2nd with 2.9%, 30th with 3.7 y/a
Eagles - 32nd with 9.8%, 4th with 5.0 y/a
Ravens - 30th with 8.3%, 6th with 4.9 y/a

Fortunately, the Steelers are facing WFT next.
Their OL is ranked 31st in sack % (8.3%) and 22nd in rushing y/a (4.1), so not particularly good in either category.

 

I agree! I think we would have a running game if the O-line was not getting manhandled. Seems the D was in our backfield as Snell was getting the ball.

 

Insightful article on the subject:

https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.c...itted-to-the-run-game-derek-watt-kevin-dotson

 

That last line is so true. I know the D will be right at the sticks, but time and time again the Raven defender was tackling right when the receiver got the ball, before the sticks, and this was put in place because they did not move the ball on the first 2 downs with short passing. With no running game to protect they can just load up front and wait. In one play it was 3rd and goal and Ben threw to Ebron 4 yards from the goal. He did not catch it, but 2 ravens were right there, no way he gets in. I just do not understand having Chase and Ebron with the height advantage and not attempting to use it.

 

pretty much the story of nearly every game.

 

All of above have valid points. More emphasis on a balanced attack must be brought to bare. As we saw with the Ravens the practice squad has many good O linemen so personal isn't the problem. Practicing it is. My fear is I don't see them getting any better and the last 4 games have been lucky wins not a team that is developing into a power house.
The problem is the same as it was 3 years ago that being they play to much and solely to Ben's strengths. Ben LOVES to throw the ball. He hates running the ball. Further, they let Ben call FAR TOO MANY plays. The biggest criticism players have had of him for years is that he thinks he is the coach. HE calls plays he likes and feature him. You, I and every fan, or other coach for that matter, can predict what plays will be called in any and all circumstances. The proof is in the Raven's game. There were 2- 4th and inches and how many times did Ben get under center? He refuses to. AT his size and weight one yard is a fall forward.
That being said calling running plays and practicing them do not feature Ben so we see few of them and even fewer when Ben is calling the plays like the 2nd quarter of the last game. Where are the perimeter plays, the speed plays , the jet sweeps. We have some of the fastest players in the league but no balanced attack. We have the players , we have the coaches work on the running game and call them in. Take the play calling out of Ben's hands, install and call running plays and improvement will come. The Washington game is the perfect time to install and work on a outside running game.

 

This is pretty much what I was saying above.

 

Not sure how much it’s been mentioned but I wonder. How much of this has to do with losing Munchek a couple years ago?

 

Problem with this is if you take the play calls away from Ben you give them to RF.

 

When Ben R. throws less than 38 times the Steelers winning percentage goes way up.
To original post, you need to understand the importance of the run, and have the will to want
to run the ball,

 

I was under the impression that Derek Watt was here to be a blocking back on run plays and an occasional pass target. Why the big bucks for a special teams guy? The future of the run game may depend a bit on Dotson; I'd like to see him in.

 

Or the guys on the OL have gotten older .

 

In the words of Coach Tomlin, “because we suck!” I hope this helps clarify your question.

 

Good breakdown and shows where some of the run problems are scheme problems and some are player issues.

 

I think where they really miss Munchak is on gameday adjustments. You can work at practice fundamentally. You can work on things at practice you expect.

You earn your stripes during the game knowing what adjustments to make while knowing your personnel. He just had the knowledge and experience.

 

Yeah the lack of an imposing run game and consistently questionable play calling is definitely the biggest concern I have for this team. That and also maybe Ben... he is just playing... differently...