Let's talk Pittsburgh Steelers.

[Maikeru-sama]

O-line propels Steelers - Duce, Big Ben get press, linemen earn the wins

Mike Bires, Times Sports Staff 10/12/2004

PITTSBURGH - According to an old football adage, offensive linemen don't get noticed unless they do something wrong.

More often than not, their names are called only when they're guilty of a penalty or if they allow a rushing defender to sack their quarterback.

Proof of that theory can be found in Pittsburgh.

With the Steelers off to a 4-1 start, the men receiving most of the glory are the "skill" players.

Rookie quarterback Ben Roethlisberger has earned NFL Rookie of the Week honors for two straight weeks in a national internet poll and will likely make it three in a row for his performance in Sunday's 34-23 win over the Cleveland Browns.

Running back Duce Staley has rushed for over 100 yards in three straight games for the first time in his eight-year career.

In wide receivers Hines Ward and Plaxico Burress, the Steelers boast one of the league's top pass-catching duos. Ward continues to rank among the league leaders statistically while Burress is coming off a six-catch, 136-yard performance.

Yes, those four have been the glamour guys so far for the Steelers, at least offensively. But to a man, they know that their successes wouldn't be possible without the men on the offensive line.

"Of course three in a row means a lot," Staley said of his third straight 100-yard game. "But it means a lot to the line, too. Those guys definitely need all the credit they can get. The front five is paving the way. I'm just following them."

"It's amazing how the chemistry between those guys on the line has grown and how they've taken it to the next level," offensive coordinator Ken Whisenhunt said. "They're certainly making it easier for Ben, Duce and the receivers."

With Roethlisberger and Staley creating so much excitement in their first years in Pittsburgh, the Steelers' No. 1 preseason concern is all but forgotten.

Based on injuries and inconsistent play by the O-line last year, the key to success this year for the Steelers was consistent play up front.

Like running back Jerome Bettis said in training camp, "We will live or die by our offensive line."

It's still early in the season. And based on the rather weak schedule the Steelers have played so far and the tough road that lies ahead, things are going to get tougher for everyone. But obviously, the solid play of the linemen through five games can't be understated.

"We're working well together. We're starting to click," said left guard Alan Faneca, a three-time Pro Bowler who's recognized as one of the NFL's most dominating lineman. "We're starting to find that zone where the five of us need to be in order to be cohesive.

"Yeah, I think we are in that zone. I think we got in it (Sunday)."

The "zone" Faneca talked about is a product of good health and a good plan.

Last year, injuries wrecked havoc with the offensive line.

Right guard Kendall Simmons was diagnosed with a diabetic condition at the start of training camp and lost weight, strength and stamina, and therefore struggled.

Tackle Marvel Smith, making the switch from the right side to the left, missed 11 games with a nagging pinched nerve in his neck.

Center Jeff Hartings didn't miss any games, but it was no secret his aching knees gave him problems and limited his effectiveness.

At right tackle, Todd Fordham and Oliver Ross played poorly for most of the Steelers' 6-10 season.

The situation looked bleak in camp this year when Simmons suffered a season-ending knee injury. But Keydrick Vincent has stepped in and held his own so far.

"As long as we can stay healthy, we're going to get better every week," Smith said.

Another reason for the line's success is the way the Steelers attack offensively. Unlike last year when the approach was more finesse and pass happy, they've re-established the run.

Prior to Monday night's game between the Tennessee Titans and Green Bay Packers, the Steelers ranked 24th in the league in passing but sixth in rushing.

Don't be fooled by the league passing ranking. The Steelers' total passing yardage might not be that prolific, but the passing game has been effective. The run is setting up the pass, and Roethlisberger already ranks 14th in the league in passer rating.

And in scoring offense, the Steelers rank 10th at 22.4 points per game.

"We are definitely playing better this year," Hartings said of the O-line. "We're not making as any mistakes. We have an identity. Last year, we didn't have an identity."

"We're dedicated to the run and we're getting yardage and we're sticking with it," Faneca said. "You can tell just by the play calling that that's who we are. We had a lot more gadget plays and a lot more pass plays last year. So, yes, it's definitely different. And it's nice.

"Hey, we're winning. When you're 4-1, everything's great."

LINK



Ben Roethlisberger

91.3 QB Rating 5 TDs/ 4 INTs
Has earned NFL Rookie of the Week honors for two straight weeks in a national internet poll and will likely make it three in a row for his performance in Sunday's 34-23 win over the Cleveland Browns.

Duce Staley

3 straight 100 yard rushing games, the first in his career. He is 8th overall in Total Rushing Yards.
108 att / 489 yards

Jerome Bettis - Weirdest Stats

32 Att / 56 Yards and a 1.8 ypc avg but has 6 Rushing TDs


The Offensive Line gave up 4 sacks in the 2 Games Tommy Maddox played, but have only given up 4 sacks total in the 3 1/2 Games Ben Roethlisberger has played.

Hines Ward

35 rec / 455 Yards, 5th in Total Receiving Yards and 3rd in Receptions

Plexico Burress

15 rec / 308, 24th in Total Receiving Yards


3-4 Defense ranked 5th in the NFL, 6th against the pass and 13th against the run in the NFL

[Maikeru-sama]

They have not played the toughest of opponents, but 4-1 is 4-1. I hate to say it, but the Boys could facing a sub .500 record.

Thoughts, especially from those that have followed the Steelers and live close to the area?

- Mike G.

[Doomsday101]

I look forward to the match up, this will give the Cowboys a chance to shut some people up.

[Gaede]

I really like Jacques Reeves, but him against Burress or Ward worries me.

[LaTunaNostra]

Are they still playing the 3-4? What kind of rush do they have these days? Do they blitz a lot?

[Doomsday101]

Originally Posted by LaTunaNostra

Are they still playing the 3-4? What kind of rush do they have these days? Do they blitz a lot?

Steelers do play the Nor Defense (3-4)

[jterrell]

I do not like this matchup for us. Pitt is a very good offense with a marginal defense. I don't think we can score enough to win. I expect another 25 plus point performance from the opponent and we don't win those types of games very often. I know its hard to go against BP after a bad week like the past one but the Steelers look to be a better team IMO. The biggest Steeler weakness is the secondary but I don't see us breaking the game open with the passing attack as more explosive teams might try to do. I'm afraid we are a 7 to 8 win team.

[Maikeru-sama]

Originally Posted by LaTunaNostra

Are they still playing the 3-4? What kind of rush do they have these days? Do they blitz a lot?

Yep, they still play the 3-4 Defense. They have been without standout Kendrell Bell, but Larry Foote has stepped in nicely for him and is 3rd on the team in tackles.

They have gotten to the quarterback 12 times and Left Defensive End, Aaron Smith leads the team with 3 sacks, which puts him in good company with guys such as Grant Winstrom with 2.5 sacks, Jevon Kearse with 3 sacks, and dare I say, our Tony Dixon, with 3 himself. So, it would seem Tucker has another big test on his hands this week.

- Mike G.

[LaTunaNostra]

Originally Posted by Doomsday101

Steelers do play the Nor Defense (3-4)

I know they played it for years under Cowher, but wondered if personnel losses might have changed that.

A little more info:


Steelers Notebook: Steelers have adopted the Patriots' philosophy
Tuesday, October 12, 2004

By Ed Bouchette, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

The New England Patriots have made their mark in the league and not just because they set a new standard by winning their 19th consecutive game.

The Patriots also set a standard with their approach to the season, a team-first attitude and the outlook that nothing is more important than the next game.

It's something that appears to have permeated the Steelers. They're 4-1 and lead the AFC North Division by a game over Baltimore, but they might as well be starting out the season again.

"We're not really trying to look in the rear view," linebacker Clark Haggans said, "because if we do that, we won't see the speed bumps ahead."

Some would consider unbeaten New England and Philadelphia as road blocks more than bumps. But even though the Patriots and Eagles are the next to visit Heinz Field, the Steelers have a more immediate worry Sunday in Dallas.

Plaxico Burress still believes the Steelers are the team to beat in the AFC North, as he said before the season. But when asked if he thought his team was pretty good, Burress answered, "Not really."

"I have seen a lot of crazy things happen in this league," Burress said. "At the same time, we have to keep a level head and stay humble and hopefully go down to Dallas, play a tough team and, hopefully, get a win. ... It is only five games into the season."

In past years, the Steelers might already have been talking about winning enough games to get home-field advantage in the playoffs. Not this year, though.

"Everyone knows on the team there's really nothing to get hyped about," Haggans said. "We're in first place and that's our position right now and that's the only thing that stands. The playoffs are a long way away and there's a whole lot of football to play in the season, so we're just taking it one game at a time and seeing what we're going to do."


Help from Maddox


Tommy Maddox is neither gone nor forgotten. While his right elbow mends, Maddox remains a consultant on the sideline for rookie quarterback Ben Roethlisberger.

"Tommy's been great helping me out with the reads, helping me understand what's going on with the secondary, what's going on with the plays," Roethlisberger said. "He's on the sideline and he said, 'I know everybody's coaching you but if you need me I'll be here.'

"As soon as I come to the sideline, Tommy's the first guy I look for. Nobody knows better than Tommy. I try to find him and he's always willing to help me out."


Fast start


Rookie Ricardo Colclough got the Steelers going on the right foot Sunday with a 48-yard return of the opening kickoff that put the offense at Cleveland's 41. Three plays later, Duce Staley ran 25 yards for a 7-0 lead.

"The opening kickoff was a big play just to get the crowd in the game," Haggans said. "When the offense went out there and they're [41] yards away from the end zone, that just makes everything exciting and adds fuel to the fire and everyone gets pumped up and ready to play."


Rankings, standings, stats


Roethlisberger's 91.3 passer rating ranks sixth in the AFC, one slot behind New England's Tom Brady at 96.0. Roethlisberger's average gain per pass of 8.45 yards ranks second in the AFC. His fourth-quarter passer rating of 118.1 ranks third in the AFC, and he's third with a passer rating of 108.3 on third downs. ... Jerome Bettis is tied for the NFL lead with six rushing touchdowns. ... Hines Ward's 34 receptions lead the AFC. He is second in yards receiving with 455. ... Antwaan Randle El is second in the AFC with an average kickoff return of 26.6, while Colclough ranks 10th at 22.8. Randle El's punt return average dipped to 4.0, 13th in the AFC. ... Aaron Smith is tied for sixth in the AFC with three sacks. ... The Steelers' offense ranks 17th in the NFL (sixth rushing, 24th passing); their defense ranks fifth (13th against the rush, sixth against the pass). ... The Steelers' offense is first in the NFL in red zone efficiency and their defense third in the AFC.

[LaTunaNostra]

Originally Posted by jterrell

The biggest Steeler weakness is the secondary but I don't see us breaking the game open with the passing attack as more explosive teams might try to do.

Well, Tuna's rationale for not challenging the Jints' secondray was that it was the strength of their D.

If he won't let Vinnie throw often and thrown deep this week, he never will.

We can be explosive, JT.

[Maikeru-sama]

Another thing...

I have been waiting for Ben Roth. to settle down, like alot of rookie that start fast out of the gate do, but so far he hasn't. From what I have read, the Browns didnt bring alot of pressure because, Ward, Randle El and mostly Burress scared them enough not too, which was the case with us against Minnesota.

The offensive line looks to be playing very good and I have not looked at the individual matchups in the trenches.

I have a bad feeling about this game. This team has good balance and weapons that do not allow a team to just key on one aspect of the game.

I wonder what kind of defensive game plan Zimmer will call. Will it be the passive kind we saw in week 1 or the attacking kind we saw against the Browns. Unfortunately, I think Zimmer lets other people's roster dictate how aggresive he is, which is totally the opposite with guys like Johnson in Philly and Williams in Washington.......

- Mike G.

[Sportsbabe]

I'd rather not The powers that be have already annoited Rothlesburger (or whatever his name is) God's gift to QBing. It appears we don't stand a chance

[Chocolate Lab]

Originally Posted by mickgreen58

Another thing...

I have been waiting for Ben Roth. to settle down, like alot of rookie that start fast out of the gate do, but so far he hasn't. From what I have read, the Browns didnt bring alot of pressure because, Ward, Randle El and mostly Burress scared them enough not too, which was the case with us against Minnesota.

The offensive line looks to be playing very good and I have not looked at the individual matchups in the trenches.

I have a bad feeling about this game. This team has good balance and weapons that do not allow a team to just key on one aspect of the game.

I wonder what kind of defensive game plan Zimmer will call. Will it be the passive kind we saw in week 1 or the attacking kind we saw against the Browns. Unfortunately, I think Zimmer lets other people's roster dictate how aggresive he is, which is totally the opposite with guys like Johnson in Philly and Williams in Washington.......

[View Full Quote]- Mike G.

I've got a bad feeling, too... Especially their receivers against Jones and Reeves. And Duce always plays well against us, it seems.

But, Roth really is due for a typical rookie performance. Maybe with a few weeks of film on him now, we can find a way to shake a fumble or INT (or two) out of him.

[Maikeru-sama]

Originally Posted by LaTunaNostra

Well, Tuna's rationale for not challenging the Jints' secondray was that it was the strength of their D.

If he won't let Vinnie throw often and thrown deep this week, he never will.

We can be explosive, JT.

Ive been so busy lately, I have not been able to hear everything Parcells has said lately.

You will never convince me that Keyshawn Johnson, Terry Glenn, nor Antonio Bryant cannot get open against Will Allen and Will Petersen.

I watched Rod Gardner torch Will Allen in the Skins game and Gardner was droppong balls left and right and even dropped an easy touchdown, and still had a nice day against Will Allen.

Yeah, they may be strong in the Secondary, but we are strong at receiver....

- Mike G.

[CowboyChris]

talking about the Steelers, brings "HATE" to my mind.