A late season bye might be exactly what the Pittsburgh Steelers desire to make a run in the AFCs top seed.
Tied with Houston within the AFC with seven wins, Pittsburgh Troy Polamalu Jersey includes a very favorable schedule over the final six weeks of the season.
Coming off the bye week, the Steelers travel to Kansas City, in which the Chiefs is going to be without quarterback Matt Cassel. While Arrowhead is really a tough stadium to experience in, Tyler Palko will likely be starting for Kansas City, and he strikes fear in nobody.
To follow this track of back-to-back home games from the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns.
Cincinnati turned out to be a formidable challenge, and theyll once more try to prove themselves now from the Baltimore Ravens. The Steelers is going to be rooting hard for the Bengals Troy Polamalu Jersey to provide the Ravens their fourth loss.
After losing to the Ravens twice this season, Pittsburgh will require Baltimore to drop a game title or two in addition to looking after their own business.
If Pittsburgh can sweep Cincinnati, there is a short week to organize for that Browns, whore the only real losing team in the AFC North.
The Thursday night game should easily favor the Steelers unless, obviously, there are high wind conditions. If you remember back to 2009, Bruce Arians inexplicably had Ben Roethlisberger throw the ball 32 times in very windy conditions.
Pittsburgh would continue to get rid of this game 13-6, eliminating them from playoff contention. Do not expect a slip up this season.
The advantage of the Thursday night game will be that the Steelers have on the week to prepare for the surprising San Francisco 49ers.
San Francisco is constantly on the impress every week behind a very good ground attack and also the top-rated rushing defense Troy Polamalu Jersey.
Pittsburgh will have to make use of the 49ers weak passing attack and pass defense. However, the cross-country trip can make this a difficult contest.
Theres a quick turnaround having a Saturday afternoon game from the St. Louis Rams, which is very winnable. In fact, playing in your own home against a very weak Rams team, the Steelers would need to completely go beyond them to lose. On the other hand, a week any given team can win.
Pittsburgh closes the season on New Years trip to Cleveland.
The final six opponents currently have a combined record of 26-28, with only Cincinnati and Bay area having winning records.
If Pittsburgh can win at least five of the six games, company, they are all very winnable, that would bring these phones a 12-4 finish. The best case scenario is obviously to win out and put them in excellent position heading into the playoffs.
By winning their remaining games, Pittsburgh would still need a minumum of one loss by Baltimore and one by Houston.
Baltimore expires and down and can lose any week. Theyve laid eggs this year against some very bad teams, also it would not surprise me to see that happen at least one more time.
Meanwhile, the Texans have been in a poor spot without quarterback Matt Schaub. They can get by with their ground attack and defense, but sooner or later, new quarterback Matt Leinart will need to have plays.
The bottom line is that the Steelers Ben Roethlisberger Jersey will have to take care of their business. The bye week should enable them to get LaMarr Woodley and Emmanuel Sanders to health, in addition to provide their veterans with some time off before the final month and a half of the season.
Keep an eye out when the Steelers get that top seed in the AFC. When they do, theyll be primed for another Super Bowl run.
Their finest bet is to lean on deep passes and make New Englands corners chase Mike Wallace, Antonio Brown and Emmanuel Sanders.
I also think that PittsburghBen Roethlisberger Jersey could be effective on the floor here. The game on offense against New England would be to always take the ball from Tom Bradys hands for as long as possible. Thats how you beat the Patriots.
Flag
Defense vs. Pittsburgh
The Baltimore defense had a lot more challenge with the Steelers in their second game with Pittsburgh. Ben Roethlisberger could be effective and get the ball to his receivers regularly and made sufficient plays to put the Steelers in position to win.
The running game wouldnt be big from the Ravens, but play-action might be. The Ravens like to rush the passer continually in the same fashion because the Steelers, so trying to fake them and freeze them is a great ploy. Also, throwing into the blitz is always the ideal choice. The Baltimore secondary is passable, but doesnt have a real weapon beyond Ed Reed right now.
Offense vs. Pittsburgh
The only method to beat the Ravens will be to stop playing the soft-zone coverage, particularly on third down. Pressing the Ravens receivers and keeping them against man coverage will force Joe Flacco to throw into tighter windows. He hasnt shown a lot of stomach for that, and that he makes more mistakes that way.
The large key is on third down. The Steelers need to still bring pressure on third down. They failed to do that in their second Baltimore match and located themselves allowing 14 third-down conversions. When they stop a few of those, Baltimore never could have had a shot to win the overall game late.
So lets get really wild and assume the Steelers get past the Patriots or Ravens. Theyd then face another remaining AFC seed. It could only be among the teams already mentioned or even the Ny Jets. Whether its the Jets, the overall game would be a complete rematch of last years game in Pittsburgh.
Heres a look at the way it could unfold, although this scenario is very, most unlikely.
Ny Jets
Offensively, the Jets play directly into Pittsburghs strength. They throw the ball well such as the run much with Shonn Greene and LaDainian Tomlinson. Neither is a real threat to Pittsburgh.
The passing game is better, but Mark Sanchez includes a bad history of getting harassed by pass-rushers, and that he provides extensive trouble with defenses that blitz regularly.
On defense, the Jets do pose a threat by having an above-average secondary, however their pass rush isnt as good. Ben RoethlisbergerBen Roethlisberger Jersey is deadly with anywhere of time, so its likely he might get plenty of plays off.
The Steelers also spread the field much better than anyone in the AFC, to ensure that would work against the Jets, nobody only have one big playmaker in pass coverage.
Id rather not look too much in to the crystal ball, but when Pittsburgh gets back towards the Super Bowl, heres who they might wind up facing along with a brief snapshot of that matchup:
Green Bay Packers
A rematch of Super Bowl XLV could be interesting Hines Ward Jersey, especially given Pittsburgh willingness to throw the ball and Green Bays awful pass defense. Still, this can be a nightmare game for Pittsburghs defense in some ways, but a game title that could be won even if it became a shootout.
I also think that PittsburghBen Roethlisberger Jersey could be effective on the floor here. The game on offense against New England would be to always take the ball from Tom Bradys hands for as long as possible. Thats how you beat the Patriots.
Flag
Defense vs. Pittsburgh
The Baltimore defense had a lot more challenge with the Steelers in their second game with Pittsburgh. Ben Roethlisberger could be effective and get the ball to his receivers regularly and made sufficient plays to put the Steelers in position to win.
The running game wouldnt be big from the Ravens, but play-action might be. The Ravens like to rush the passer continually in the same fashion because the Steelers, so trying to fake them and freeze them is a great ploy. Also, throwing into the blitz is always the ideal choice. The Baltimore secondary is passable, but doesnt have a real weapon beyond Ed Reed right now.
Offense vs. Pittsburgh
The only method to beat the Ravens will be to stop playing the soft-zone coverage, particularly on third down. Pressing the Ravens receivers and keeping them against man coverage will force Joe Flacco to throw into tighter windows. He hasnt shown a lot of stomach for that, and that he makes more mistakes that way.
The large key is on third down. The Steelers need to still bring pressure on third down. They failed to do that in their second Baltimore match and located themselves allowing 14 third-down conversions. When they stop a few of those, Baltimore never could have had a shot to win the overall game late.
So lets get really wild and assume the Steelers get past the Patriots or Ravens. Theyd then face another remaining AFC seed. It could only be among the teams already mentioned or even the Ny Jets. Whether its the Jets, the overall game would be a complete rematch of last years game in Pittsburgh.
Heres a look at the way it could unfold, although this scenario is very, most unlikely.
Ny Jets
Offensively, the Jets play directly into Pittsburghs strength. They throw the ball well such as the run much with Shonn Greene and LaDainian Tomlinson. Neither is a real threat to Pittsburgh.
The passing game is better, but Mark Sanchez includes a bad history of getting harassed by pass-rushers, and that he provides extensive trouble with defenses that blitz regularly.
On defense, the Jets do pose a threat by having an above-average secondary, however their pass rush isnt as good. Ben RoethlisbergerBen Roethlisberger Jersey is deadly with anywhere of time, so its likely he might get plenty of plays off.
The Steelers also spread the field much better than anyone in the AFC, to ensure that would work against the Jets, nobody only have one big playmaker in pass coverage.
Id rather not look too much in to the crystal ball, but when Pittsburgh gets back towards the Super Bowl, heres who they might wind up facing along with a brief snapshot of that matchup:
Green Bay Packers
A rematch of Super Bowl XLV could be interesting Hines Ward Jersey, especially given Pittsburgh willingness to throw the ball and Green Bays awful pass defense. Still, this can be a nightmare game for Pittsburghs defense in some ways, but a game title that could be won even if it became a shootout.
Only John Harbaugh could take a Gatorade bath after this one.
The Steelers stumbled, stutter-stepped and struggled to place away an eminently willing Kansas City victim Sunday night at Arrowhead Stadium. It had been awful to watch on every level. But we also know right now the way it turns out: Ben Roethlisberger keeps plugging away, the backups admirably step up for injured starters, the defense helps make the big stop, and everyone exhales James Harrison Jersey.
Steelers 13, Chiefs 9.
Come on, let me know you werent nervous that Tyler Palko would go 70 yards there at the conclusion.
You were?
Hey, you can mail any complaints to the winners, care of "Best Team within the AFC."
Generally, sure, the Steelers were lousy. Roethlisberger and the receivers had little chemistry from long range. Rashard mendenhall found few holes against the NFLs No. 27-ranked defense. Mewelde Moore fumbled near the goal line. The offense never made it past the Chiefs` 39-yard line within the second half, for screaming loud. And the defense must have absolutely overwhelmed Palko, the first kind Pitt quarterback who upchucked passes that one of his old WPIAL opponents might have picked off. Not even the Steelers James Harrison Jersey three interceptions, including Keenan Lewis leaping stab that killed the ultimate Might drive, felt like enough.
But debate style vs. substance all you want. Bottom line is the Steelers 8-3 record is tied for best within the conference with Baltimore, Houston and New England. As well as their destiny remains in their control, with their five remaining games including two against Cleveland, one against St. Louis.
Instead of agonizing over Sunday night, it can be appropriate to inquire about this: Why shouldnt the Steelers return to the Super Bowl?
Remember, the three opponents before this were New England, Baltimore and Cincinnati, the category from the remaining conference, and also the Steelers might have swept all three but for that 92-yard drive by Joe Flacco. They solved Tom Brady, outgained the Ravens and completed a rare 60-minute showing in Cincinnati.
What happened last night does not get excused through the rust of the bye week, but neither do the 3 games James Harrison Jersey before it get erased.
The Steelers arent where they should be. Thats painfully clear yet again. But sitting atop the conference with less than their best should speak volumes relating to this teams potential.
Pay attention to how safety Ryan Clark summed this up afterward in a largely satisfied locker room.
"Its just good to maintain winning," Clark said. "We put inside us lots of bad situations lots of weeks, but we continue to come on top. Its better to make corrections when you have Ws and never Ls. But we also know we have to play better. It seems like, regardless of who we play, were going to turn it into a close game. I dont know in the event thats playing down to your competition or what."
He grinned and added, "But I understand I love being 8-3."
Sounded like they all did.
"Look, man, were just attempting to knock em out any way we are able to," nose tackle Casey Hampton said. "You know, when we get it all together, its going to be scary."
Look at the resiliency the Steelers still show, and it is easy to believe him.
Did you see Roethlisberger flipping Kansas City linebacker Jovan Belcher with this block?
What about Ryan Mundys first career interception after Troy Polamalu went down with concussion symptoms?
Or Weslye Saunders Lamarr Woodley Jersey first career touchdown that belied the usual elegance of the tight end?
Or Jason Worilds continuing to be a force in LaMarr Woodleys absence?
Or, best of all, Lewis climactic pick?
"I knew using the way they lined up, the ball would be coming my way," Lewis said. "I just needed to create a play."
And that he did. That is what winning teams do even if they stink in the joint.
The Steelers stumbled, stutter-stepped and struggled to place away an eminently willing Kansas City victim Sunday night at Arrowhead Stadium. It had been awful to watch on every level. But we also know right now the way it turns out: Ben Roethlisberger keeps plugging away, the backups admirably step up for injured starters, the defense helps make the big stop, and everyone exhales James Harrison Jersey.
Steelers 13, Chiefs 9.
Come on, let me know you werent nervous that Tyler Palko would go 70 yards there at the conclusion.
You were?
Hey, you can mail any complaints to the winners, care of "Best Team within the AFC."
Generally, sure, the Steelers were lousy. Roethlisberger and the receivers had little chemistry from long range. Rashard mendenhall found few holes against the NFLs No. 27-ranked defense. Mewelde Moore fumbled near the goal line. The offense never made it past the Chiefs` 39-yard line within the second half, for screaming loud. And the defense must have absolutely overwhelmed Palko, the first kind Pitt quarterback who upchucked passes that one of his old WPIAL opponents might have picked off. Not even the Steelers James Harrison Jersey three interceptions, including Keenan Lewis leaping stab that killed the ultimate Might drive, felt like enough.
But debate style vs. substance all you want. Bottom line is the Steelers 8-3 record is tied for best within the conference with Baltimore, Houston and New England. As well as their destiny remains in their control, with their five remaining games including two against Cleveland, one against St. Louis.
Instead of agonizing over Sunday night, it can be appropriate to inquire about this: Why shouldnt the Steelers return to the Super Bowl?
Remember, the three opponents before this were New England, Baltimore and Cincinnati, the category from the remaining conference, and also the Steelers might have swept all three but for that 92-yard drive by Joe Flacco. They solved Tom Brady, outgained the Ravens and completed a rare 60-minute showing in Cincinnati.
What happened last night does not get excused through the rust of the bye week, but neither do the 3 games James Harrison Jersey before it get erased.
The Steelers arent where they should be. Thats painfully clear yet again. But sitting atop the conference with less than their best should speak volumes relating to this teams potential.
Pay attention to how safety Ryan Clark summed this up afterward in a largely satisfied locker room.
"Its just good to maintain winning," Clark said. "We put inside us lots of bad situations lots of weeks, but we continue to come on top. Its better to make corrections when you have Ws and never Ls. But we also know we have to play better. It seems like, regardless of who we play, were going to turn it into a close game. I dont know in the event thats playing down to your competition or what."
He grinned and added, "But I understand I love being 8-3."
Sounded like they all did.
"Look, man, were just attempting to knock em out any way we are able to," nose tackle Casey Hampton said. "You know, when we get it all together, its going to be scary."
Look at the resiliency the Steelers still show, and it is easy to believe him.
Did you see Roethlisberger flipping Kansas City linebacker Jovan Belcher with this block?
What about Ryan Mundys first career interception after Troy Polamalu went down with concussion symptoms?
Or Weslye Saunders Lamarr Woodley Jersey first career touchdown that belied the usual elegance of the tight end?
Or Jason Worilds continuing to be a force in LaMarr Woodleys absence?
Or, best of all, Lewis climactic pick?
"I knew using the way they lined up, the ball would be coming my way," Lewis said. "I just needed to create a play."
And that he did. That is what winning teams do even if they stink in the joint.
This is door No. 2 for that Steelers. The Raiders complement very well with Pittsburgh. Chris Johnson is starting to get on track finally, and the Titans have found ways to win despite a dropoff in production using their receiver-less passing attack. Still, youd have to think the Steelers could repeat at least part of their Week 5 performance to unseat the Titans.
The common thread I find in the wild-card matches would be that the Steelers as a 12-4 Wild CardBen Roethlisberger Jersey are superior to any mixture of teams that could grab the fourth seed or perhaps the third seed. I dont see a trouble with them during this round.
Now we have to throw in some more variables. In my original predictions, the Cincinnati Bengals were the sixth seed. The brand new York Jets is one other viable wild-card option (excluding the Broncos, Raiders, Titans and Texans, who could feasibly take a wild-card berth when they lose out on their division).
Assuming the Jets or Bengals face off against among the likely third seeds (Oakland or Houston), either could move on to the next round and face the very best seed. That would mean the Steelers would face the second seed.
If the sixth seed team loses, the Steelers would face the 3rd seed. That will mean among the teams weve mentioned previously. Thats more appealing than either likely matchup for any second seed: New England or Baltimore.
Lets consider each of those teams individually.
Offense vs. Pittsburgh
The Steelers did a great job in Week 8 of keeping the Patriots off the field. Once they were about the field, the Steelers took away Tom Bradys favorite targets (Rob Gronkowski, Wes Welker and Aaron Hernandez) and made him throw to Chad Ochocino or Deion Branch.
The outcomes were that Brady, while he still completed lots of passes, didnt get the ball in to the hands of his playmakers.
The Steelers defense still matches well with New England because of an above-average secondary thats featuring the improved William Gay and Keenan Lewis alongside Ike Taylor, Ryan Clark and Troy Polamalu. The pass rush also seems a likely plus against a Patriots line that is lacking some punch nowadays.
Defense vs. Pittsburgh
The Steelers already proved the things they can perform against New Englands defense but will need to revamp their approach again because Bill Belichick doesnt let unexpected things happen the same way twice. Their best bet is to lean on deep passes making New Englands corners chase Mike Wallace, Antonio Brown and Emmanuel Sanders.
I also believe that PittsburghBen Roethlisberger Jersey might be effective on the floor here. The overall game on offense against New England would be to always go ahead and take ball out of Tom Bradys hands provided possible. Thats the way you beat the Patriots.
Flag
Defense vs. Pittsburgh
The Baltimore defense were built with a much more challenge with the Steelers within their second game with Pittsburgh. Ben Roethlisberger could be effective and obtain the ball to his receivers regularly making just enough plays to put the Steelers in place to win.
The running game wouldnt be big against the Ravens, but play-action may be. The Ravens like to rush the passer continually within the same fashion as the Steelers, so trying to fake them and freeze them is a great ploy. Also, throwing in to the blitz is definitely the ideal choice. The Baltimore secondary is passable, but does not have a genuine weapon beyond Ed Reed right now.
Offense vs.
The common thread I find in the wild-card matches would be that the Steelers as a 12-4 Wild CardBen Roethlisberger Jersey are superior to any mixture of teams that could grab the fourth seed or perhaps the third seed. I dont see a trouble with them during this round.
Now we have to throw in some more variables. In my original predictions, the Cincinnati Bengals were the sixth seed. The brand new York Jets is one other viable wild-card option (excluding the Broncos, Raiders, Titans and Texans, who could feasibly take a wild-card berth when they lose out on their division).
Assuming the Jets or Bengals face off against among the likely third seeds (Oakland or Houston), either could move on to the next round and face the very best seed. That would mean the Steelers would face the second seed.
If the sixth seed team loses, the Steelers would face the 3rd seed. That will mean among the teams weve mentioned previously. Thats more appealing than either likely matchup for any second seed: New England or Baltimore.
Lets consider each of those teams individually.
Offense vs. Pittsburgh
The Steelers did a great job in Week 8 of keeping the Patriots off the field. Once they were about the field, the Steelers took away Tom Bradys favorite targets (Rob Gronkowski, Wes Welker and Aaron Hernandez) and made him throw to Chad Ochocino or Deion Branch.
The outcomes were that Brady, while he still completed lots of passes, didnt get the ball in to the hands of his playmakers.
The Steelers defense still matches well with New England because of an above-average secondary thats featuring the improved William Gay and Keenan Lewis alongside Ike Taylor, Ryan Clark and Troy Polamalu. The pass rush also seems a likely plus against a Patriots line that is lacking some punch nowadays.
Defense vs. Pittsburgh
The Steelers already proved the things they can perform against New Englands defense but will need to revamp their approach again because Bill Belichick doesnt let unexpected things happen the same way twice. Their best bet is to lean on deep passes making New Englands corners chase Mike Wallace, Antonio Brown and Emmanuel Sanders.
I also believe that PittsburghBen Roethlisberger Jersey might be effective on the floor here. The overall game on offense against New England would be to always go ahead and take ball out of Tom Bradys hands provided possible. Thats the way you beat the Patriots.
Flag
Defense vs. Pittsburgh
The Baltimore defense were built with a much more challenge with the Steelers within their second game with Pittsburgh. Ben Roethlisberger could be effective and obtain the ball to his receivers regularly making just enough plays to put the Steelers in place to win.
The running game wouldnt be big against the Ravens, but play-action may be. The Ravens like to rush the passer continually within the same fashion as the Steelers, so trying to fake them and freeze them is a great ploy. Also, throwing in to the blitz is definitely the ideal choice. The Baltimore secondary is passable, but does not have a genuine weapon beyond Ed Reed right now.
Offense vs.
The Pittsburgh Steelers consist of weapons. They have a franchise quarterback, among the fastest players within the league at receiver, a flexible running back Hines Ward Jersey and a dependable tight end.
So why one thing the Steelers rank 19th in the league in scoring at 21.2 points per game? Looking at last weeks game the scoring problems can be put on their red-zone efficiency.
Pittsburgh does not score enough touchdowns when down inside the opponents 20-yard line.
For that season, Pittsburgh has converted on 18-of-37 red-zone attempts. Under 50 % for any team with this particular much talent is unacceptable.
This nearly cost them the overall game last week at Might as Pittsburgh was only in a position to put 13 points on the board without success to score touchdowns on two of their three trips inside the red zone.
At the start of the game Pittsburgh had the ball within the Chiefs 10-yard line and failed gain after Mike Wallace dropped what looked to become a simple touchdown. Mewedle Moore Hines Ward Jersey continued to fumble the ball which was recovered by Might for any touchback.
Improved efficiency at a negative balance zone from the Chiefs could have meant a blowout.
Against the New England Patriots this year the Steelers dominated but struggled to complete the overall game. Though they came away having a 25-17 victory, Pittsburgh converted on only 2-of-5 attempts in the red zone.
The very next week the red zone cost the Steelers the overall game, and perhaps the division championship, against the Baltimore Ravens.
The Steelers only went 1-of-4 in the red zone and lost by a final score of 23-20 carrying out a last second touchdown pass by Joe Flacco.
A significant area of the red-zone struggles comes from the weakness on the offensive line and insufficient commitment to the floor game.
Pittsburgh will find themselves seeking to go for the score from 10 yards out instead of attempt to get chunks of yardage. Of course, they fight in obtaining more than one or two yards on run plays this deep within their opponents territory.
If its not the possible lack of a running game then its Ben Roethlisberger getting pressured and even sacked, particularly on third downs.
Pittsburgh needs to circumvent both of these weaknesses and they want to use their players to their strengths and never always go for the finish zone shot on first down.
Bruce Arians includes a plethora of talent to utilize and Roethlisberger must recognize that a brief spread first or second down can insert them in better position to score. In other words, they do not have to score on a single play, though if they did is there any better receiver within the league at going over the center in the end zone than Hines Ward?
If not considering Ward, Mike Wallace, Antonio Brown and Emmanuel Sanders are all excellent after the catch, particularly the first couple of with rare acceleration that may beat most defenders Hines Ward Jersey.
Quick, short passes to the of those three could get chunks of yardage to place Pittsburgh in better position gain. All are able to breaking a tackle or putting on a proceed to potentially even score from the 10 on the quick slant.
Talking about putting on moves, the Steelers have three talented running backs whove the skill set to trap the ball from the backfield, yet theyre rarely used in the passing game that near to the goal line.
Rashard mendenhall is shifty and quick while Isaac Redman is surprisingly nimble and may run through tackles. Moore includes a knack for locating open space too.
Maybe most frustrating is the insufficient roll outs near the end zone. Teams score touchdowns on passes for their tight ends on roll outs each week.
Pittsburgh has two pretty good receiving tight leads to Heath Miller and Weslye Saunders. Saunders finally acquired his first touchdown Hines Ward Jersey reception a week ago.
Worst of all, however, may be the empty backfield set. Theres nothing like telling the defense that youre going to throw the ball that close to the goal line. A well-designed draw could be deadly in this area of the field.
Regardless of what the email address details are, however, Pittsburgh must increase their red-zone production. That is the only way that theyll score more points and steer clear of the nail-biters that people all watched last week.
Pittsburgh must quit compromising for three and start putting touchdowns about the scoreboard.
So why one thing the Steelers rank 19th in the league in scoring at 21.2 points per game? Looking at last weeks game the scoring problems can be put on their red-zone efficiency.
Pittsburgh does not score enough touchdowns when down inside the opponents 20-yard line.
For that season, Pittsburgh has converted on 18-of-37 red-zone attempts. Under 50 % for any team with this particular much talent is unacceptable.
This nearly cost them the overall game last week at Might as Pittsburgh was only in a position to put 13 points on the board without success to score touchdowns on two of their three trips inside the red zone.
At the start of the game Pittsburgh had the ball within the Chiefs 10-yard line and failed gain after Mike Wallace dropped what looked to become a simple touchdown. Mewedle Moore Hines Ward Jersey continued to fumble the ball which was recovered by Might for any touchback.
Improved efficiency at a negative balance zone from the Chiefs could have meant a blowout.
Against the New England Patriots this year the Steelers dominated but struggled to complete the overall game. Though they came away having a 25-17 victory, Pittsburgh converted on only 2-of-5 attempts in the red zone.
The very next week the red zone cost the Steelers the overall game, and perhaps the division championship, against the Baltimore Ravens.
The Steelers only went 1-of-4 in the red zone and lost by a final score of 23-20 carrying out a last second touchdown pass by Joe Flacco.
A significant area of the red-zone struggles comes from the weakness on the offensive line and insufficient commitment to the floor game.
Pittsburgh will find themselves seeking to go for the score from 10 yards out instead of attempt to get chunks of yardage. Of course, they fight in obtaining more than one or two yards on run plays this deep within their opponents territory.
If its not the possible lack of a running game then its Ben Roethlisberger getting pressured and even sacked, particularly on third downs.
Pittsburgh needs to circumvent both of these weaknesses and they want to use their players to their strengths and never always go for the finish zone shot on first down.
Bruce Arians includes a plethora of talent to utilize and Roethlisberger must recognize that a brief spread first or second down can insert them in better position to score. In other words, they do not have to score on a single play, though if they did is there any better receiver within the league at going over the center in the end zone than Hines Ward?
If not considering Ward, Mike Wallace, Antonio Brown and Emmanuel Sanders are all excellent after the catch, particularly the first couple of with rare acceleration that may beat most defenders Hines Ward Jersey.
Quick, short passes to the of those three could get chunks of yardage to place Pittsburgh in better position gain. All are able to breaking a tackle or putting on a proceed to potentially even score from the 10 on the quick slant.
Talking about putting on moves, the Steelers have three talented running backs whove the skill set to trap the ball from the backfield, yet theyre rarely used in the passing game that near to the goal line.
Rashard mendenhall is shifty and quick while Isaac Redman is surprisingly nimble and may run through tackles. Moore includes a knack for locating open space too.
Maybe most frustrating is the insufficient roll outs near the end zone. Teams score touchdowns on passes for their tight ends on roll outs each week.
Pittsburgh has two pretty good receiving tight leads to Heath Miller and Weslye Saunders. Saunders finally acquired his first touchdown Hines Ward Jersey reception a week ago.
Worst of all, however, may be the empty backfield set. Theres nothing like telling the defense that youre going to throw the ball that close to the goal line. A well-designed draw could be deadly in this area of the field.
Regardless of what the email address details are, however, Pittsburgh must increase their red-zone production. That is the only way that theyll score more points and steer clear of the nail-biters that people all watched last week.
Pittsburgh must quit compromising for three and start putting touchdowns about the scoreboard.