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Does the Steelers’ running game kind of suck? (1 Viewer)

The_Man

Footballguy
The public perception seems to be that the Steelers are this tremendous running force that grinds opponents into the ground but have defied all convention in their playoff drive by abandoning the run and going pass first.But in looking at their recent stretch drive that began with Big Ben’s return at Indy on Nov. 28, I see a team that struggles to run the ball, particularly early and in close games. Where they do find some success on the ground is late when they have a lead and are trying to secure victory.Despite playing some very average run defenses (measured by ypc), I only find three games in the past 9 since Ben's return where the Steelers’ average ypc was greater than their opponent’s season average.Vs. Indy, the #28 team in the NFL at 4.4 ypc, the Steelers averaged 3.4 and 2.7 in two gamesVs. Denver, the #17 team at 4.0 ypc, Pitt averaged 2.7 ypcVs. Cincy, the #26 team at 4.3 ypc, Pitt averaged 3.4 and 4.2 in two gamesVs. Minnesota, the #16 team at 4.0, Pitt averaged 3.6The Steelers were impressive vs. Chicago, the NFL’s #8 team in ypc allowed, gaining an average of 4.1 yards on a whopping 46 rushes vs. a team that allowed 3.7 ypc all seasonThe other two times they exceeded an opponent’s average ypc was in getting 4.5 ypc vs. Detroit (#22; 4.2 ypc) and Cleveland, where an 80-yard Willie Parker run fueled the Steelers’ 6.0 ypc vs. the Browns (#23, 4.2 ypc).That’s why I’m so baffled that everyone seems so surprised that the Steelers have come out as a pass-first team in the playoffs. It seems like that’s the only way they can move the ball!I’ve been very impressed with Seattle’s defensive game planning in the playoffs, and I think they’re going to line up and challenge Pittsburgh’s running game to beat their front 7 and key on the Steelers’ passing attack. I just don’t think the Pittsburgh run game is playing anywhere near well enough to sustain scoring drives.

 
I just don’t think the Pittsburgh run game is playing anywhere near well enough to sustain scoring drives.
yea, cause the Steelers only scored 86 points in 3 games against the 1, 2, and 3 seed..only a 28.7 point average :confused:
 
The public perception seems to be that the Steelers are this tremendous running force that grinds opponents into the ground but have defied all convention in their playoff drive by abandoning the run and going pass first.

But in looking at their recent stretch drive that began with Big Ben’s return at Indy on Nov. 28, I see a team that struggles to run the ball, particularly early and in close games. Where they do find some success on the ground is late when they have a lead and are trying to secure victory.

Despite playing some very average run defenses (measured by ypc), I only find three games in the past 9 since Ben's return where the Steelers’ average ypc was greater than their opponent’s season average.

Vs. Indy, the #28 team in the NFL at 4.4 ypc, the Steelers averaged 3.4 and 2.7 in two games

Vs. Denver, the #17 team at 4.0 ypc, Pitt averaged 2.7 ypc

Vs. Cincy, the #26 team at 4.3 ypc, Pitt averaged 3.4 and 4.2 in two games

Vs. Minnesota, the #16 team at 4.0, Pitt averaged 3.6

The Steelers were impressive vs. Chicago, the NFL’s #8 team in ypc allowed, gaining an average of 4.1 yards on a whopping 46 rushes vs. a team that allowed 3.7 ypc all season

The other two times they exceeded an opponent’s average ypc was in getting 4.5 ypc vs. Detroit (#22; 4.2 ypc) and Cleveland, where an 80-yard Willie Parker run fueled the Steelers’ 6.0 ypc vs. the Browns (#23, 4.2 ypc).

That’s why I’m so baffled that everyone seems so surprised that the Steelers have come out as a pass-first team in the playoffs. It seems like that’s the only way they can move the ball!

I’ve been very impressed with Seattle’s defensive game planning in the playoffs, and I think they’re going to line up and challenge Pittsburgh’s running game to beat their front 7 and key on the Steelers’ passing attack. I just don’t think the Pittsburgh run game is playing anywhere near well enough to sustain scoring drives.
When a team pretty much sells out to stop it, the Steelers just switch gears, and that is the difference between last year and this year. I hope Seattle thinks the Steelers can't run and put 7 in the box.....:lickschops: :football:
 
Bear in mind also, that when measuring ypc, many of those carries came in the second half of game vs. 10 and 11 man fronts.7 in the box? Parker will light that up like a Christmas tree.

 
I just don’t think the Pittsburgh run game is playing anywhere near well enough to sustain scoring drives.
yea, cause the Steelers only scored 86 points in 3 games against the 1, 2, and 3 seed..only a 28.7 point average :confused:
Yeah I don't think you can put up these type of numbers without at least having the threat of a running game. As Blueonion hammered the point in another thread, defenses gameplan to stop the Steelers running game and hope that Ben can't lead the team on his back. It's really not even about the Steelers running backs--it's all about their offensive line.
 
Does it suck, no. I don't think it is great. What I think is great is Cowher's dedication to sticking with it. His philosophy, the Steelers defensive prowess, Roethlisbergers efficiency at converting third downs allowing the running to continue, this is what is effective in a synergistic system.

 
OK, I took a quick look at the Steelers' scoring drives in the postseason.

Here they are, broken down by game type of yardage on each scoring drive:

Cincy

Rush 21 yards, Pass 24, Penalty 15

Rush 2, Pass 74

Rush 8, Pass 18, Penalty 40

Rush 7, Pass 43

Indy

Rush 8, Pass 76

Rush 12, Pass 52

Rush 30, Pass 0

Denver

Rush 9, Pass 53

Rush 3, Pass 36

Rush 11 (8 by Ben), Pass 74

Rush 26, Pass 17

Rush 11, Pass 53

Rush 17, Pass 0

I see exactly two drives where the Steelers geared up and crammed the ball down the opponent's throat with the run game, and both came on extremely short fields later in the game when the opponent was becoming demoralized/worn down.

Otherwise, I see no indication whatsoever that the Steelers have been able to gear up and march down the field with their running game. Maybe that is because other teams are selling out to stop the run and that's why the passing game seems so wide open.

But if I'm Seattle, I'm dropping my safeties deep and forcing Pittsburgh to prove that they can still be an effective run-first team. I'm just not convinced they can be.

 
OK, I took a quick look at the Steelers' scoring drives in the postseason.

Here they are, broken down by game type of yardage on each scoring drive:

Cincy

Rush 21 yards, Pass 24, Penalty 15

Rush 2, Pass 74

Rush 8, Pass 18, Penalty 40

Rush 7, Pass 43

Indy

Rush 8, Pass 76

Rush 12, Pass 52

Rush 30, Pass 0

Denver

Rush 9, Pass 53

Rush 3, Pass 36

Rush 11 (8 by Ben), Pass 74

Rush 26, Pass 17

Rush 11, Pass 53

Rush 17, Pass 0

I see exactly two drives where the Steelers geared up and crammed the ball down the opponent's throat with the run game, and both came on extremely short fields later in the game when the opponent was becoming demoralized/worn down.

Otherwise, I see no indication whatsoever that the Steelers have been able to gear up and march down the field with their running game. Maybe that is because other teams are selling out to stop the run and that's why the passing game seems so wide open.

But if I'm Seattle, I'm dropping my safeties deep and forcing Pittsburgh to prove that they can still be an effective run-first team. I'm just not convinced they can be.
I'm willing to bet Seattle will worry about the ground game first, let them come out in Nickle on first and second down, Wizzers eyes would pop out of his dome... :yes:
 
Of course I'm not talking about coming out in nickel on first down.But I'm also not talking about Indy-style defense of having Bob Sanders running across the line of scrimmage on every single snap, either.I'm sure someone will be ready to bump this thread on Feb. 6 if the Steelers grind out 200+ rushing yards, but until then I'm sticking to my premise that the Steelers have needed to use the pass to set up the run over the last two months and it will be interesting to see what Pittsburgh can do on the ground if the Seahawks come out committed to playing the pass.

 
Watching NFL Network's Playbook last night, Sterling Sharpe and Solomon Wilcots said that the Seahawks biggest fear on defense is that the Steelers will "run downhill" on them between the tackles.

 
Of course I'm not talking about coming out in nickel on first down.

But I'm also not talking about Indy-style defense of having Bob Sanders running across the line of scrimmage on every single snap, either.

I'm sure someone will be ready to bump this thread on Feb. 6 if the Steelers grind out 200+ rushing yards, but until then I'm sticking to my premise that the Steelers have needed to use the pass to set up the run over the last two months and it will be interesting to see what Pittsburgh can do on the ground if the Seahawks come out committed to playing the pass.
I think you will see their passing stats go down, and the running stats go way up. Like I said before, the Steelers have done a fine job of taking what defenses are giving them, they finally lost their "run it at all cost " mentality that hurt them at times in the playoffs past. I also think the maturity of Big Ben has a lot to do with that, they finally took the reins off, and it is paying big dividends having such balance.... :thumbup:
 
OK, I took a quick look at the Steelers' scoring drives in the postseason.

Here they are, broken down by game type of yardage on each scoring drive:

Cincy

Rush 21 yards, Pass 24, Penalty 15

Rush 2, Pass 74

Rush 8, Pass 18, Penalty 40

Rush 7, Pass 43

Indy

Rush 8, Pass 76

Rush 12, Pass 52

Rush 30, Pass 0

Denver

Rush 9, Pass 53

Rush 3, Pass 36

Rush 11 (8 by Ben), Pass 74

Rush 26, Pass 17

Rush 11, Pass 53

Rush 17, Pass 0

I see exactly two drives where the Steelers geared up and crammed the ball down the opponent's throat with the run game, and both came on extremely short fields later in the game when the opponent was becoming demoralized/worn down.

Otherwise, I see no indication whatsoever that the Steelers have been able to gear up and march down the field with their running game. Maybe that is because other teams are selling out to stop the run and that's why the passing game seems so wide open.

But if I'm Seattle, I'm dropping my safeties deep and forcing Pittsburgh to prove that they can still be an effective run-first team. I'm just not convinced they can be.
Ding ding ding ding ding ding !
 
Where they do find some success on the ground is late when they have a lead and are trying to secure victory.
You answered your own question in your initial post. They have the lead late, the other team knows they are going to run, but they still can't stop it.
 
Of course I'm not talking about coming out in nickel on first down.

But I'm also not talking about Indy-style defense of having Bob Sanders running across the line of scrimmage on every single snap, either.

I'm sure someone will be ready to bump this thread on Feb. 6 if the Steelers grind out 200+ rushing yards, but until then I'm sticking to my premise that the Steelers have needed to use the pass to set up the run over the last two months and it will be interesting to see what Pittsburgh can do on the ground if the Seahawks come out committed to playing the pass.
Well if you want to take the pass away and force them to run, wouldn't you put extra DBs in the game ? You're not making much sense, honestly. The Steelers passing game has been working because they have been trying to strech the field horizontally, making the safties cover as much ground as they can sideline to sideline, and we have been eating opposing safties for lunch. Did Bob Sanders even play in that playoff game ? He didn't make any plays of note, it was not anything like the first Colts game. The strength of the Seattle D is not the safties, probably their weakness, so I do not see how this would be an effective stratagy for them to shut down the pass....
 
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7 in the box?  Parker will light that up like a Christmas tree.
:goodposting:
KreiderMiller

Smith

Faneca

Hartings

Simmons

Starks

Seven blockers, seven in the box. I am shaking just thinking about it - Parker will be to the second level coming off tackle on every carry. If the Seahawks try this, Parker will seriously average about 6 yards a carry.

 
the Steelers haven't put up gaudy rushing #s and Cower even admitted in his last PC that they need to work a little / focus on running the ball better, but that being said, the running game has been VERY effective.cincy 144 ydsindy 125 ydsdenver 90 ydsbut that doesn't tell half the story. when the Steelers were running the ball was after they had the lead and when the opposition KNEW they were running and they couldn't stop them.the Steelers were able to eat valuable time off the clock and seal the game.in indy2 drives to start the 2nd half one for 5:45, 10 plays, 39 yds, all runsone for 8:06, 12 plays, 32 yds, all runsthat's almost a quarterhas the running game been UNSTOPPABLE against all defenses? no ... and your semi-point is well received. but i can't think of many/any teams that can run the ball down your throat against defenses designed to stop the run.look out for big ben, FWP and the Bus ... it's called balance.-orphan

 
Why do they need to run?? Big Ben's been able to do anything in the playoffs.Maybe the RB situation isn't what it was (Parker isn't going to be the Hall of Famer Bettis is/was), but none of the past QB's have been in Ben's area code).

 
Pick your poison Seattle.  Either way you get :own3d:
You can say the exact same thing for the Steelers.
Steelers scheme is so good/confusing that Seattle wont know when Pitt is playing the run or pass.
Hmm. I've been seeing TEs like Clark and Putzier run free vs. the Steelers and I think Stevens is a better receiving threat than either of them.
 
Pick your poison Seattle.  Either way you get :own3d:
You can say the exact same thing for the Steelers.
Steelers scheme is so good/confusing that Seattle wont know when Pitt is playing the run or pass.
Hmm. I've been seeing TEs like Clark and Putzier run free vs. the Steelers and I think Stevens is a better receiving threat than either of them.
If Stevens spends the majority of the SB running pass patterns then his QB will meet the same fate that Clark's and Putzier's did. The best way to beat the blitz is a healthy dose of max protect, see the NE/Steelers Championship Games.
 
Pick your poison Seattle.  Either way you get :own3d:
You can say the exact same thing for the Steelers.
Steelers scheme is so good/confusing that Seattle wont know when Pitt is playing the run or pass.
Hmm. I've been seeing TEs like Clark and Putzier run free vs. the Steelers and I think Stevens is a better receiving threat than either of them.
Code:
REC YDS AVG TD LG D. Clark 4    84   21.0 1 50 J. Putzier 4   55  13.8   0 19
Not sure that is running free. Clark made a hell of a play on that TD though - but wouldnt call it blown coverage. Stevens has been on a tear for the last 6 games or so, I guess we shall see.
 
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I don't want to hijack my own thread, primarily because I'm still trying to decide who to bet on and want to keep this on the topic of whether the Steelers can run effectively if Seattle tries to take away the pass. Sorry for the TE stuff -- just another thing that's on my mind, as I seem to remember the Steelers didn't do so well in defending the TE this season.

 
I don't want to hijack my own thread, primarily because I'm still trying to decide who to bet on and want to keep this on the topic of whether the Steelers can run effectively if Seattle tries to take away the pass.

Sorry for the TE stuff -- just another thing that's on my mind, as I seem to remember the Steelers didn't do so well in defending the TE this season.
There is no doubt. This isn't me talking as a homer, if they truly "take away the pass" - that means dropping both safeties and playing a 7-man front. This is suicide against the Steelers - they will run Parker off left tackle or on counters behind Starks all day long and will average 5-6 yards a carry. If Seattle doesn't adjust, they'll run for 200 yards.Teams know this, and thus are playing 8-9 up front because allowing success in the running game carries almost no turnover risk for Pittsburgh and a huge time of possession edge. That's why you're seeing teams play the run so hard, still hoping either Roethlisberger will be inaccurate, or they'll force a turnover. They figure there's a better chance of this than being able to stop Pittsburgh's running game with 7 guys. As long as the pass blocking holds up, and Roethlisberger continues to be accurate and make good reads, they'll keep killing people through the air. Pittsburgh has a terrific run/pass balance right now, and it makes them very difficult to defend. The way to counteract that typically would be to blitz and force the QB to make bad throws through pressure, but the Steelers line has been good and Ben can avoid a rush, so it really has been "pick your poison" thus far. Seahawks need to come up with a wrinkle that will help slow the offense down. I don't think they will.

Of course, I don't think the Steelers can shut down Seattle either, for many of the same reasons, which is why I think it will be an outstanding game.

 
I just don’t think the Pittsburgh run game is playing anywhere near well enough to sustain scoring drives.
yea, cause the Steelers only scored 86 points in 3 games against the 1, 2, and 3 seed..only a 28.7 point average :confused:
Easy ya homer... the thread is about the running game, not how many pts they scored. I was just saying this morning that the key for Seattle is beating Pit at their own defensive game. Someone in this thread asked "Why do they need to run?? Big Ben's been able to do anything in the playoffs." Exactly.They've put oodles of pressure on Manning (who couldn't handle it) and Plummer (who can scramble, but respitory illness and bad throws killed him). Let the Steelers try to run against a top 10 run D... Seattle would win a field position game, as the left side (Jones, Hutch, Tobek) will allow SA and MoMo to match the Steeler output and even give Hass time/protection.

For the SuperBowl, I would have to expect that Bettis is beyond charged up, and could play out of his mind. Without crunching numbers, I'd say they've been serviceable of late, but not sucky.

 
It's the Steeler secondary that's kinda sucky, and moreover, untested.

(whoops thread disgression)
I wouldn't say they're "kinda sucky". Not great but young and very talented and playing pretty well right now. A big part of the reason why the Steelers have been getting pressure on the QB lately is because wrs are not getting open against them.
 
I just don’t think the Pittsburgh run game is playing anywhere near well enough to sustain scoring drives.
yea, cause the Steelers only scored 86 points in 3 games against the 1, 2, and 3 seed..only a 28.7 point average :confused:
Easy ya homer... the thread is about the running game, not how many pts they scored. I was just saying this morning that the key for Seattle is beating Pit at their own defensive game. Someone in this thread asked "Why do they need to run?? Big Ben's been able to do anything in the playoffs." Exactly.They've put oodles of pressure on Manning (who couldn't handle it) and Plummer (who can scramble, but respitory illness and bad throws killed him). Let the Steelers try to run against a top 10 run D... Seattle would win a field position game, as the left side (Jones, Hutch, Tobek) will allow SA and MoMo to match the Steeler output and even give Hass time/protection.

For the SuperBowl, I would have to expect that Bettis is beyond charged up, and could play out of his mind. Without crunching numbers, I'd say they've been serviceable of late, but not sucky.
Didn't Denver have one of those ???? :confused: :confused: A better one than Seattle as a matter of fact... :yes: :yes:

 
Seattle outgained opponents 2,457 to 1,510 in rushing yards and 29 to 5 in rushing TDs. I think they'll be fine.
What does that have to do with whether or not the Steelers running game sucks?
 
Seattle outgained opponents 2,457 to 1,510 in rushing yards and 29 to 5 in rushing TDs.  I think they'll be fine.
What does that have to do with whether or not the Steelers running game sucks?
Nothing witht the original question in the thread. Mostly had to do with other comments interspersed by others on which team would stop the other's ground attack.
 
Didn't Denver have one of those ???? :confused: :confused:

A better one than Seattle as a matter of fact... :yes: :yes:
Yes, and didn't the Steelers only average 2.7 ypc???That's kind of my whole point.

There is no doubt. This isn't me talking as a homer, if they truly "take away the pass" - that means dropping both safeties and playing a 7-man front. This is suicide against the Steelers - they will run Parker off left tackle or on counters behind Starks all day long and will average 5-6 yards a carry. If Seattle doesn't adjust, they'll run for 200 yards.

Teams know this, and thus are playing 8-9 up front because allowing success in the running game carries almost no turnover risk for Pittsburgh and a huge time of possession edge. That's why you're seeing teams play the run so hard, still hoping either Roethlisberger will be inaccurate, or they'll force a turnover. They figure there's a better chance of this than being able to stop Pittsburgh's running game with 7 guys. As long as the pass blocking holds up, and Roethlisberger continues to be accurate and make good reads, they'll keep killing people through the air. Pittsburgh has a terrific run/pass balance right now, and it makes them very difficult to defend.
:goodposting: This enhanced my understanding of why the Steelers' offense has been so effective in the playoffs. I'm still not convinced about the 5-6 ypc business vs. 7 in the box stuff, but everyone seems afraid to play Pittsburgh's rushing attack that way so you might be right.
 
Didn't Denver have one of those ????  :confused:   :confused:

A better one than Seattle as a matter of fact... :yes:   :yes:
Yes, and didn't the Steelers only average 2.7 ypc???That's kind of my whole point.

There is no doubt. This isn't me talking as a homer, if they truly "take away the pass" - that means dropping both safeties and playing a 7-man front. This is suicide against the Steelers - they will run Parker off left tackle or on counters behind Starks all day long and will average 5-6 yards a carry. If Seattle doesn't adjust, they'll run for 200 yards.

Teams know this, and thus are playing 8-9 up front because allowing success in the running game carries almost no turnover risk for Pittsburgh and a huge time of possession edge. That's why you're seeing teams play the run so hard, still hoping either Roethlisberger will be inaccurate, or they'll force a turnover. They figure there's a better chance of this than being able to stop Pittsburgh's running game with 7 guys. As long as the pass blocking holds up, and Roethlisberger continues to be accurate and make good reads, they'll keep killing people through the air. Pittsburgh has a terrific run/pass balance right now, and it makes them very difficult to defend.
:goodposting: This enhanced my understanding of why the Steelers' offense has been so effective in the playoffs. I'm still not convinced about the 5-6 ypc business vs. 7 in the box stuff, but everyone seems afraid to play Pittsburgh's rushing attack that way so you might be right.
The whole point of this thread was stating "Steelers can't run the ball anymore", Steelers supporters(me, Evilgrin, others) have been trying to explain that teams have been selling out to it for the most part, it is not as much the Steelers aren't able to get it done anymore. It takes awhile for you guys, huh ?
 
Didn't Denver have one of those ????  :confused:   :confused:

A better one than Seattle as a matter of fact... :yes:   :yes:
Yes, and didn't the Steelers only average 2.7 ypc???That's kind of my whole point.

There is no doubt. This isn't me talking as a homer, if they truly "take away the pass" - that means dropping both safeties and playing a 7-man front. This is suicide against the Steelers - they will run Parker off left tackle or on counters behind Starks all day long and will average 5-6 yards a carry. If Seattle doesn't adjust, they'll run for 200 yards.

Teams know this, and thus are playing 8-9 up front because allowing success in the running game carries almost no turnover risk for Pittsburgh and a huge time of possession edge. That's why you're seeing teams play the run so hard, still hoping either Roethlisberger will be inaccurate, or they'll force a turnover. They figure there's a better chance of this than being able to stop Pittsburgh's running game with 7 guys. As long as the pass blocking holds up, and Roethlisberger continues to be accurate and make good reads, they'll keep killing people through the air. Pittsburgh has a terrific run/pass balance right now, and it makes them very difficult to defend.
:goodposting: This enhanced my understanding of why the Steelers' offense has been so effective in the playoffs. I'm still not convinced about the 5-6 ypc business vs. 7 in the box stuff, but everyone seems afraid to play Pittsburgh's rushing attack that way so you might be right.
The Bears thought they could play the Steelers straight up because their defense was so good all year and the Steelers ran for over 100 yards in the second half even after the Bears finally started dropping guys down. (Oddly, this same confidence in their defensive prowess killed Chicago vs. Carolina as well - as they thought they could cover Steve Smith with one guy.) The Browns, after getting torched by Roethlisberger for the first quarter and a half, dropped into more straight coverages and the Steelers ran amok to the tune of 152 yards in the second half (Cleveland allowed 133 yards per GAME for the season going in.)
 
Seattle outgained opponents 2,457 to 1,510 in rushing yards and 29 to 5 in rushing TDs. I think they'll be fine.
that's a net difference of 947 yards. In their games against Houston, Tennessee, and the sorry excuse for a division they play in (AZ, STL, SF x2 each) they had a difference of 879 yards net rushing, leaving less than 70 yards differerence in the other 8 games. They beat up some pretty sorry teams to get most of that big rushing advantage.

 
Seattle outgained opponents2,457 to 1,510 in rushing yards and 29 to 5 in rushing TDs. I think they'll be fine.
Opponents = Twice each of AZ, SF, STL I could do that.

 
Seattle outgained opponents 2,457 to 1,510 in rushing yards and 29 to 5 in rushing TDs. I think they'll be fine.
that's a net difference of 947 yards. In their games against Houston, Tennessee, and the sorry excuse for a division they play in (AZ, STL, SF x2 each) they had a difference of 879 yards net rushing, leaving less than 70 yards differerence in the other 8 games. They beat up some pretty sorry teams to get most of that big rushing advantage.
Beat me to the punch.
 
Seattle outgained opponents 2,457 to 1,510 in rushing yards and 29 to 5 in rushing TDs.  I think they'll be fine.
that's a net difference of 947 yards. In their games against Houston, Tennessee, and the sorry excuse for a division they play in (AZ, STL, SF x2 each) they had a difference of 879 yards net rushing, leaving less than 70 yards differerence in the other 8 games. They beat up some pretty sorry teams to get most of that big rushing advantage.
Beat me to the punch.
Yup, that is why I took Alexander #1 in my fantasy draft (and won BTW :D ).Here are the rank by week run defenses they faced this year(some weeks might be switched around, but rank of D is right)

14

26

10

28

13

32

15

10

28

12

18

21

16

18

22

23

9 out of 16 are in the bottom half of the league in run D, and 1/4 of the schedule was against the "bottom bucket" run defenses. Not saying they can't run it well, but... :mellow:

 
Seattle outgained opponents 2,457 to 1,510 in rushing yards and 29 to 5 in rushing TDs. I think they'll be fine.
that's a net difference of 947 yards. In their games against Houston, Tennessee, and the sorry excuse for a division they play in (AZ, STL, SF x2 each) they had a difference of 879 yards net rushing, leaving less than 70 yards differerence in the other 8 games. They beat up some pretty sorry teams to get most of that big rushing advantage.
Ya, so why don't we look at the Steelers as well then.They got big yardage against Houston, Tenn, Cleveland, Detroit.

So howabout we take all the rushing yards they got in those games and strike them from the record. :rolleyes:

 
Seattle outgained opponents 2,457 to 1,510 in rushing yards and 29 to 5 in rushing TDs.  I think they'll be fine.
that's a net difference of 947 yards. In their games against Houston, Tennessee, and the sorry excuse for a division they play in (AZ, STL, SF x2 each) they had a difference of 879 yards net rushing, leaving less than 70 yards differerence in the other 8 games. They beat up some pretty sorry teams to get most of that big rushing advantage.
Ya, so why don't we look at the Steelers as well then.They got big yardage against Houston, Tenn, Cleveland, Detroit.

So howabout we take all the rushing yards they got in those games and strike them from the record. :rolleyes:
Pittsburgh outgained opponents 2,223 to 1,368 in rushing yards and 21 to 10 in rushing TDs. I think they'll be fine. :thumbup: :thumbup: :towelwave: :towelwave:

 
Pick your poison Seattle. Either way you get :own3d:
You can say the exact same thing for the Steelers.
Steelers scheme is so good/confusing that Seattle wont know when Pitt is playing the run or pass.
The Seahawks run defense is better than the Broncos', so they won't have to focus completely on the run and get burned in the air the way the Broncos did. The Steelers should still be able to move the ball, but don't expect a pathetic showing like the Broncos.
 
Pick your poison Seattle.  Either way you get :own3d:
You can say the exact same thing for the Steelers.
Steelers scheme is so good/confusing that Seattle wont know when Pitt is playing the run or pass.
The Seahawks run defense is better than the Broncos', so they won't have to focus completely on the run and get burned in the air the way the Broncos did. The Steelers should still be able to move the ball, but don't expect a pathetic showing like the Broncos.
I beg to differ on that, statistically it is not...
 
Seattle outgained opponents 2,457 to 1,510 in rushing yards and 29 to 5 in rushing TDs.  I think they'll be fine.
that's a net difference of 947 yards. In their games against Houston, Tennessee, and the sorry excuse for a division they play in (AZ, STL, SF x2 each) they had a difference of 879 yards net rushing, leaving less than 70 yards differerence in the other 8 games. They beat up some pretty sorry teams to get most of that big rushing advantage.
Ya, so why don't we look at the Steelers as well then.They got big yardage against Houston, Tenn, Cleveland, Detroit.

So howabout we take all the rushing yards they got in those games and strike them from the record. :rolleyes:
Pittsburgh outgained opponents 2,223 to 1,368 in rushing yards and 21 to 10 in rushing TDs. I think they'll be fine. :thumbup: :thumbup: :towelwave: :towelwave:
Seattle outgained opponents 2457 to 1510 in rushing yards and 29 to 5 in rushing TDs. I think they'll be fine. :thumbup: :thumbup:
I guess you didn't get it, look up.... :unsure:
 
It's the Steeler secondary that's kinda sucky, and moreover, untested.

(whoops thread disgression)
Kinda sucky? What team have you been watching? Polamalu is the best safety in the league and Ike Taylor has become one of the best cover corners out there. Add in Townsend, Hope and a rapidly improving McFadden and this is a pretty good secondary.
 
It's the Steeler secondary that's kinda sucky, and moreover, untested.

(whoops thread disgression)
Kinda sucky? What team have you been watching? Polamalu is the best safety in the league and Ike Taylor has become one of the best cover corners out there. Add in Townsend, Hope and a rapidly improving McFadden and this is a pretty good secondary.
Missed this comment.... :goodposting: This ain't last years Steelers people... :no: :football: :towelwave:

 
Pick your poison Seattle. Either way you get :own3d:
You can say the exact same thing for the Steelers.
Steelers scheme is so good/confusing that Seattle wont know when Pitt is playing the run or pass.
The Seahawks run defense is better than the Broncos', so they won't have to focus completely on the run and get burned in the air the way the Broncos did. The Steelers should still be able to move the ball, but don't expect a pathetic showing like the Broncos.
I beg to differ on that, statistically it is not...
Seattle: 420 Carries(10th) 1510 Yards(5th) 3.60 YPC(5th) 5 TD(2nd)Denver: 344 Carries(1st) 1363 Yards(2nd) 3.96 YPC(16th) 10 TD(10th)

Teams didn't run the ball much (344 out of 957 plays - 36%) against the Broncos since it was easier to pass against them. Teams ran 42% of the time (420 out of 991 plays) against the Seahawks.

 

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