Haley will speak his mind!

Always easier said then done. Most teams would employ that strategy if was as easy as fans state.

 

Redman doesn't have enough carries to prove he is a top power runner. There are starters in the league that are better power runners then Redman. Guys with proven track records like AP, Gore, S. Jackson, and M. Turner just to name a few. Redman will get his chance but I don't believe he will hold up taking the pounding with his style.

They are not going to run play action every play. QB's make a lot of their money converting in 3rd and long situations. Play action isn't really that effective in 3rd and long.

Here is a fact, the highest scoring offense in the league pass the ball better then they run the ball. Everything those high scoring teams do is based off of the threat of the pass. The way to more scoring in today's NFL is based on the effectiveness of passing games. Those high scoring teams generally sprinkle in the run to keep teams honest.

The way to scoring points in today's NFL starts with the passing game. What the offense needs more then anything else is for Ben to become a more consistent passer.

 

Redman doesn't have enough carries to prove he is a top power runner. There are starters in the league that are better power runners then Redman. Guys with proven track records like AP, Gore, S. Jackson, and M. Turner just to name a few. Redman will get his chance but I don't believe he will hold up taking the pounding with his style.

They are not going to run play action every play. QB's make a lot of their money converting in 3rd and long situations. Play action isn't really that effective in 3rd and long.

Here is a fact, the highest scoring offense in the league pass the ball better then they run the ball. Everything those high scoring teams do is based off of the threat of the pass. The way to more scoring in today's NFL is based on the effectiveness of passing games. Those high scoring teams generally sprinkle in the run to keep teams honest.

The way to scoring points in today's NFL starts with the passing game. What the offense needs more then anything else is for Ben to become a more consistent passer.[/quote:ytmv8sc1]


The highest scoring teams might pass the ball better than they can run, but the ability to run keeps the opponents offense off the field which means they can't score. I think a balanced attack is the way to go, but that's just my opinion

 

Always easier said then done. Most teams would employ that strategy if was as easy as fans state.[/quote:8oxxv6xb]

I don't think it's easy, the other team gets paid to stop us after all. I just think we have the tools to do it, not all teams can say that.[/quote:8oxxv6xb]
Exactly. Easier said than done, perhaps... But most teams don't have exceptional weapons at all, let alone all over the place. We have elite weaponry and are developing what could be an elite OL. In addition, although it sounds crazy, not everyone is interested in being balanced, as we've learned over the last 5 years.

 

Well, I hope I'm definitely wrong but I expect some growing pains and a subpar season this year with Haley taking over as OC. There will be a learning curve with the implementation of a new offensive playbook. Again, I hope I'm wrong, just a gut feeling I have here.

 

I could definitely see us struggling early on while trying to iron out the kinks.

 

Redman doesn't have enough carries to prove he is a top power runner. There are starters in the league that are better power runners then Redman. Guys with proven track records like AP, Gore, S. Jackson, and M. Turner just to name a few. Redman will get his chance but I don't believe he will hold up taking the pounding with his style.

They are not going to run play action every play. QB's make a lot of their money converting in 3rd and long situations. Play action isn't really that effective in 3rd and long.

Here is a fact, the highest scoring offense in the league pass the ball better then they run the ball. Everything those high scoring teams do is based off of the threat of the pass. The way to more scoring in today's NFL is based on the effectiveness of passing games. Those high scoring teams generally sprinkle in the run to keep teams honest.

The way to scoring points in today's NFL starts with the passing game. What the offense needs more then anything else is for Ben to become a more consistent passer.[/quote:3hi8l70r]

The highest scoring teams might pass the ball better than they can run, but the ability to run keeps the opponents offense off the field which means they can't score. I think a balanced attack is the way to go, but that's just my opinion[/quote:3hi8l70r]

I believe you are incorrect. I believe the ability to pass the football in 3rd down situations is what keeps the offense on the field. 3rd and 3 appears to be a passing situation in today's NFL because it's so difficult to line up and rush for 3 yards. The athletes on defense these days make lining up and running for 3 yards more difficult. So, offenses decide to take the easier path to first downs.

Balance attack is the way to go. How many teams in the league can do both with equal effectiveness? I believe the list is very short. Teams generally have to build and play around their strengths. The Steelers run game hasn't been the strength of this offense because of the multiple issues on the Oline over the past few seasons.

One more thing, the Steelers generally ranked high in TOP on offense. TOP was rarely an issue under Arians.
According to NFL.com the Steelers offense TOP rank:
2011 - 2nd
2010 - 5th
2009 - 3rd
2008 - 6th
2007 - 1st

 

Always easier said then done. Most teams would employ that strategy if was as easy as fans state.[/quote:3ixbetgr]

I don't think it's easy, the other team gets paid to stop us after all. I just think we have the tools to do it, not all teams can say that.[/quote:3ixbetgr]
Exactly. Easier said than done, perhaps... But most teams don't have exceptional weapons at all, let alone all over the place. We have elite weaponry and are developing what could be an elite OL. In addition, although it sounds crazy, not everyone is interested in being balanced, as we've learned over the last 5 years.[/quote:3ixbetgr]

I believe Steelers fans overrate the QB and weapons on this team. We have people saying Wallace isn't in the Fitz category as a WR. Isn't Fitz an elite WR? Who do the Steelers have that is an elite weapon when Wallace is the best and most explosive weapon on the team? Brown is an emerging talent but isn't there yet. Sanders hasn't done much yet. Heath is a good player but isn't an elite pass receiving TE.

Ben is an elite talent that doesn't play up to his ability on a consistent enough basis to take the offense to another level. Ben's TD production pales in comparison to other QB's that many consider better. Ben doesn't throw for enough TD's to help put the offense in the elite offense discussion.

I don't believe we will see a drastic change in offensive production with Haley as OC this season. Ben might not be comfortable in the offense for a couple of years.

 

I am with you. I don't think the play book is as much a problem as learning the language of the offense.

 

Always easier said then done. Most teams would employ that strategy if was as easy as fans state.[/quote:3fukxn0l]

I don't think it's easy, the other team gets paid to stop us after all. I just think we have the tools to do it, not all teams can say that.[/quote:3fukxn0l]
Exactly. Easier said than done, perhaps... But most teams don't have exceptional weapons at all, let alone all over the place. We have elite weaponry and are developing what could be an elite OL. In addition, although it sounds crazy, not everyone is interested in being balanced, as we've learned over the last 5 years.[/quote:3fukxn0l]

I believe Steelers fans overrate the QB and weapons on this team. We have people saying Wallace isn't in the Fitz category as a WR. Isn't Fitz an elite WR? Who do the Steelers have that is an elite weapon when Wallace is the best and most explosive weapon on the team? Brown is an emerging talent but isn't there yet. Sanders hasn't done much yet. Heath is a good player but isn't an elite pass receiving TE.

Ben is an elite talent that doesn't play up to his ability on a consistent enough basis to take the offense to another level. Ben's TD production pales in comparison to other QB's that many consider better. Ben doesn't throw for enough TD's to help put the offense in the elite offense discussion.

I don't believe we will see a drastic change in offensive production with Haley as OC this season. Ben might not be comfortable in the offense for a couple of years.[/quote:3fukxn0l]


Heath is a good player? Heath is an amazing TE talent and top five in the NFL. Perhaps you forgot about his pro bowl 09 season where he had 76 receptions which was a tight end team record. 337 receptions which make him second in franchise history . Second only to Elbie Nickel . He has amazing hands and perhaps the surest hands on the team and very seldom drops the ball.

Bman

 

Always easier said then done. Most teams would employ that strategy if was as easy as fans state.[/quote:2o5ejco0]

I don't think it's easy, the other team gets paid to stop us after all. I just think we have the tools to do it, not all teams can say that.[/quote:2o5ejco0]
Exactly. Easier said than done, perhaps... But most teams don't have exceptional weapons at all, let alone all over the place. We have elite weaponry and are developing what could be an elite OL. In addition, although it sounds crazy, not everyone is interested in being balanced, as we've learned over the last 5 years.[/quote:2o5ejco0]

I believe Steelers fans overrate the QB and weapons on this team. We have people saying Wallace isn't in the Fitz category as a WR. Isn't Fitz an elite WR? Who do the Steelers have that is an elite weapon when Wallace is the best and most explosive weapon on the team? Brown is an emerging talent but isn't there yet. Sanders hasn't done much yet. Heath is a good player but isn't an elite pass receiving TE.

Ben is an elite talent that doesn't play up to his ability on a consistent enough basis to take the offense to another level. Ben's TD production pales in comparison to other QB's that many consider better. Ben doesn't throw for enough TD's to help put the offense in the elite offense discussion.

I don't believe we will see a drastic change in offensive production with Haley as OC this season. Ben might not be comfortable in the offense for a couple of years.[/quote:2o5ejco0]

I don't think we're overrating them too much. Whether people believe Wallace is elite or not is open for debate but what I don't think is open for debate is that we have a very talented WR corpse. I think Sanders did very well last season, and while Brown is emerging, he's still a talented receiver. I think you are dead wrong about Heath, he was lighting up NE last year, we just don't normally throw it to him because he spends most of his time blocking. As you said, Ben is already elite, I think his good outweighs the bad so I'm not concerned about him at all, I only see him improving under a better Oline and hopefully an improved play calling system. Yes, I know I am putting a lot of faith in a new Oline that hasn't taken a snap yet but damn it, it can't be any worse! Anyway, I'm more a glass half full type when it comes to every new NFL season, I think a lot of us are just excited about this upcoming year [/quote:2o5ejco0]

Overrating is overrating. I agree the WR core has potential to be good but they are not there yet. It's yet to be determined if they can keep the WR's together. Not sure what Sanders did to make you believe he did well last season?

We can disagree about Heath. I don't believe he is a great weapon as receiving TE. There are several TE's that I believe are more explosive and better receivers. Don't you notice the difference between Heath and the explosiveness of a Gronkowski or Vernon Davis? I don't have enough information to determine if Heath spent most of his time blocking.

I believe Ben is who he is at this point. If Ben doesn't change then the offense will continue to struggle scoring points with the best offenses in the league. Regardless of the weapons, the QB is the guy most responsible for putting points on the score board.

I am always excited for football season. The years of watching and paying attention taught me to be a realist.

 

Good lord I hope so. Arians would not do this and we had a quarterback in his prime who never matched his potential.

 

Always easier said then done. Most teams would employ that strategy if was as easy as fans state.[/quote:24q85v3h]

I don't think it's easy, the other team gets paid to stop us after all. I just think we have the tools to do it, not all teams can say that.[/quote:24q85v3h]
Exactly. Easier said than done, perhaps... But most teams don't have exceptional weapons at all, let alone all over the place. We have elite weaponry and are developing what could be an elite OL. In addition, although it sounds crazy, not everyone is interested in being balanced, as we've learned over the last 5 years.[/quote:24q85v3h]

I believe Steelers fans overrate the QB and weapons on this team. We have people saying Wallace isn't in the Fitz category as a WR. Isn't Fitz an elite WR? Who do the Steelers have that is an elite weapon when Wallace is the best and most explosive weapon on the team? Brown is an emerging talent but isn't there yet. Sanders hasn't done much yet. Heath is a good player but isn't an elite pass receiving TE.

Ben is an elite talent that doesn't play up to his ability on a consistent enough basis to take the offense to another level. Ben's TD production pales in comparison to other QB's that many consider better. Ben doesn't throw for enough TD's to help put the offense in the elite offense discussion.

I don't believe we will see a drastic change in offensive production with Haley as OC this season. Ben might not be comfortable in the offense for a couple of years.[/quote:24q85v3h]
Wallace is elite in my book. People talk like he's not elite because he's not the best of the best. Oh, Calvin and Andre and Larry are better, so Wallace is only average. He's elite. He can do certain things even better than the others. I'll take Wallace deep over any of them, by a mile. And I think Brown is elite too, although in a different way. Sanders is very good for sure, maybe better. Heath is elite overall, and a very good receiver. You could say Cotchery is elite for a #4 receiver. We all know about Ben. Our line just got way better.

But that's neither here nor there. The point is, our QB/RB/WR/TE situation is among the very best in the league. Probably top 3. That's the thing pundits are overlooking when they ponder Arians' firing. They see numbers like #9 in yardage and #21 in points and think it's not so bad. Not so bad? It's pathetic for the skill set we have. We should be top 5 in every offensive category, especially now that we can protect Ben. We all know we didn't produce well enough the last few years. The big hope is that a good OC will make our production match our talent. And considering the other elite offenses out there (GB, NO, NE) don't have a defense in our league, we could be really special if that happens.

I don't see it taking a couple years for Ben to get the hang of it. Haley will want to win now and get himself a head coaching job. He's going to try to help our offense short term, which benefits us greatly.

 

Redman doesn't have enough carries to prove he is a top power runner. There are starters in the league that are better power runners then Redman. Guys with proven track records like AP, Gore, S. Jackson, and M. Turner just to name a few. Redman will get his chance but I don't believe he will hold up taking the pounding with his style.

They are not going to run play action every play. QB's make a lot of their money converting in 3rd and long situations. Play action isn't really that effective in 3rd and long.

Here is a fact, the highest scoring offense in the league pass the ball better then they run the ball. Everything those high scoring teams do is based off of the threat of the pass. The way to more scoring in today's NFL is based on the effectiveness of passing games. Those high scoring teams generally sprinkle in the run to keep teams honest.

The way to scoring points in today's NFL starts with the passing game. What the offense needs more then anything else is for Ben to become a more consistent passer.[/quote:2gujg1yx]

The highest scoring teams might pass the ball better than they can run, but the ability to run keeps the opponents offense off the field which means they can't score. I think a balanced attack is the way to go, but that's just my opinion[/quote:2gujg1yx]

I believe you are incorrect. I believe the ability to pass the football in 3rd down situations is what keeps the offense on the field. 3rd and 3 appears to be a passing situation in today's NFL because it's so difficult to line up and rush for 3 yards. The athletes on defense these days make lining up and running for 3 yards more difficult. So, offenses decide to take the easier path to first downs.

Balance attack is the way to go. How many teams in the league can do both with equal effectiveness? I believe the list is very short. Teams generally have to build and play around their strengths. The Steelers run game hasn't been the strength of this offense because of the multiple issues on the Oline over the past few seasons.

One more thing, the Steelers generally ranked high in TOP on offense. TOP was rarely an issue under Arians.
According to NFL.com the Steelers offense TOP rank:
2011 - 2nd
2010 - 5th
2009 - 3rd
2008 - 6th
2007 - 1st[/quote:2gujg1yx]

How much of the TOP stats are skewed by our strong defensive play? Honestly, I just want first downs and I don't care if it's by running, passing, or skipping. But the ability to do it any way you want is an advantage that can't be denied.