Steelers, Lions defenses make history (1 Viewer)

[Chase Stuart]

Original article here: http://www.pro-football-reference.com/blog/?p=909

Steelers join '86 Bears and '02 Bucs as the only teams since the merger to lead all defenses in the following four categories:

Adjusted Net Yards per Pass Attempt Allowed ([PassYd + PassTD*10 - INT*45 - SkYdLst] / [Pass Attempts + Sacks]):

1	 2.96	Pittsburgh Steelers  2	 3.34	Baltimore Ravens  3	 3.90	Tennessee Titans  4	 4.24	Philadelphia Eagles  5	 4.44	Tampa Bay Buccaneers 6	 4.54	Green Bay Packers7	 4.67	New York Giants8	 4.68	Indianapolis Colts9	 4.74	Chicago Bears10	4.99	Washington Redskins 11	5.00	Dallas Cowboys 12	5.10	Miami Dolphins 13	5.11	Carolina Panthers 14	5.24	Cleveland Browns 15	5.32	Minnesota Vikings 16	5.37	Oakland Raiders 17	5.47	New York Jets 18	5.54	San Francisco 49ers 19	5.56	New Orleans Saints 20	5.58	San Diego Chargers 21	5.62	Atlanta Falcons 22	5.67	New England Patriots 23	5.69	Cincinnati Bengals 24	5.74	Buffalo Bills 25	6.05	Arizona Cardinals 26	6.30	Houston Texans 27	6.34	Kansas City Chiefs 28	6.58	Jacksonville Jaguars 29	6.61	St. Louis Rams 30	6.65	Seattle Seahawks 31	6.88	Denver Broncos 32	8.00	Detroit Lions

Adjusted Yards per Carry Allowed ([Rushing Yards <plus> Rushing TDs*20] / Carries):

1	 Pittsburgh Steelers	3.652	 Baltimore Ravens	   3.783	 Philadelphia Eagles	3.844	 Minnesota Vikings	  3.855	 Chicago Bears		  4.166	 New York Jets		  4.227	 Tennessee Titans	   4.328	 San Francisco 49ers	4.409	 Washington Redskins	4.4410	Cincinnati Bengals	 4.5311	New England Patriots   4.5312	Arizona Cardinals	  4.5513	San Diego Chargers	 4.5614	Jacksonville Jaguars   4.6515	Tampa Bay Buccaneers   4.6716	New York Giants		4.7017	Seattle Seahawks	   4.7218	Miami Dolphins		 4.7419	Dallas Cowboys		 4.7920	New Orleans Saints	 4.8721	Indianapolis Colts	 4.9322	Buffalo Bills		  5.0723	Carolina Panthers	  5.0724	Cleveland Browns	   5.0925	Houston Texans		 5.2926	Green Bay Packers	  5.4727	Oakland Raiders		5.5628	Atlanta Falcons		5.7329	St. Louis Rams		 5.9830	Kansas City Chiefs	 5.9831	Denver Broncos		 6.0932	Detroit Lions		  6.29

Points allowed

Rk	Tm					  Pts	PPG1	 Pittsburgh Steelers	 223	13.92	 Tennessee Titans		234	14.63	 Baltimore Ravens		244	15.34	 Philadelphia Eagles	 289	18.15	 New York Giants		 294	18.46	 Washington Redskins	 296	18.57	 Indianapolis Colts	  298	18.68	 New England Patriots	309	19.39	 Miami Dolphins		  317	19.810	Tampa Bay Buccaneers	323	20.211	Atlanta Falcons		 325	20.312	Carolina Panthers	   329	20.613	Minnesota Vikings	   333	20.814	Buffalo Bills		   342	21.415	San Diego Chargers	  347	21.716	Cleveland Browns		350	21.916	Chicago Bears		   350	21.918	New York Jets		   356	22.319	Cincinnati Bengals	  364	22.820	Dallas Cowboys		  365	22.821	Jacksonville Jaguars	367	22.922	Green Bay Packers	   380	23.823	San Francisco 49ers	 381	23.824	Oakland Raiders		 388	24.325	Seattle Seahawks		392	24.526	New Orleans Saints	  393	24.627	Houston Texans		  394	24.628	Arizona Cardinals	   426	26.629	Kansas City Chiefs	  440	27.530	Denver Broncos		  448	28.031	St. Louis Rams		  465	29.132	Detroit Lions		   517	32.3

Offensive Touchdowns allowed:

Rk	Tm					Off TD  RTD   PTD  1	 Pittsburgh Steelers	 19	 7	122	 Baltimore Ravens		21	 4	173	 Tennessee Titans		24	12	123	 Indianapolis Colts	  24	18	 65	 Minnesota Vikings	   25	10	156	 Philadelphia Eagles	 26	 7	197	 Washington Redskins	 28	12	168	 Miami Dolphins		  29	11	189	 Dallas Cowboys		  30	11	1910	Tampa Bay Buccaneers	31	 8	2310	New York Giants		 31	14	1712	Buffalo Bills		   32	18	1413	New York Jets		   33	10	2313	Carolina Panthers	   33	14	1915	Cleveland Browns		35	16	1915	New England Patriots	35	 8	2715	New Orleans Saints	  35	14	2118	San Francisco 49ers	 36	14	2218	San Diego Chargers	  36	11	2520	Chicago Bears		   37	16	2120	Atlanta Falcons		 37	17	2022	Cincinnati Bengals	  38	15	2322	Seattle Seahawks		38	13	2524	Jacksonville Jaguars	39	14	2525	Houston Texans		  42	18	2425	Green Bay Packers	   42	20	2227	Oakland Raiders		 43	23	2028	St. Louis Rams		  46	26	2028	Kansas City Chiefs	  46	25	2128	Denver Broncos		  46	26	2031	Arizona Cardinals	   49	13	3632	Detroit Lions		   56	31	25

Equally interesting note: Lions become only the fourth team since 1960 to rank dead last in each of these four categories. And only the rush defense category was even close.

 

[beermutts]

Interesting that the Ravens have 3 - #2's and 1 - #3 in those rankings. Also the Ravens are the first team since the 1962 Packers to hold their opponents under 14 points in every home game.

 

[gman74]

I will take my chance with a D that gives up more yards and less points. I will take another helping of the Ravens please.

 

[DawgPoundNJ]

I will take my chance with a D that gives up more yards and less points. I will take another helping of the Ravens please.

I'll go in that direction as well. The heck with rushing D and passing D. It's all about keeping your opponents off the scoreboard.

 

[Drunken Cowboy]

If the Steelers win the Superbowl, this team will go down as one of the all time D's.

 

[Drunken Cowboy]

I will take my chance with a D that gives up more yards and less points. I will take another helping of the Ravens please.

The problem with points is that the O and ST's give up some of teh points as well.

 

[Frenchy Fuqua]

I saw another great stat, the Colts have allowed only 6 TD passes all season a modern-day NFL record.

 

[Die]

Interesting that the Ravens have 3 - #2's and 1 - #3 in those rankings. Also the Ravens are the first team since the 1962 Packers to hold their opponents under 14 points in every home game.

Both the Steelers and Ravens also benefited from 4 games with the Bengals / Browns, who had two of the worst offenses in the NFL. Its probably the worst offensive division in football.

 

[Drunken Cowboy]

I saw another great stat, the Colts have allowed only 6 TD passes all season a modern-day NFL record.

I think their terrible run D had something to do with this.

 

[Grid71]

Interesting that the Ravens have 3 - #2's and 1 - #3 in those rankings. Also the Ravens are the first team since the 1962 Packers to hold their opponents under 14 points in every home game.

Both the Steelers and Ravens also benefited from 4 games with the Bengals / Browns, who had two of the worst offenses in the NFL. Its probably the worst offensive division in football.

Despite this fact, the Steelers still had the toughest SOS in recent history. It wasn't a cake schedule that made these team defenses look great this season.

 

[Chase Stuart]

I will take my chance with a D that gives up more yards and less points. I will take another helping of the Ravens please.

I'll go in that direction as well. The heck with rushing D and passing D. It's all about keeping your opponents off the scoreboard.

How do you keep the opponents off the scoreboard without a good rush D and a good pass D?

 

[Chase Stuart]

Interesting that the Ravens have 3 - #2's and 1 - #3 in those rankings. Also the Ravens are the first team since the 1962 Packers to hold their opponents under 14 points in every home game.

Both the Steelers and Ravens also benefited from 4 games with the Bengals / Browns, who had two of the worst offenses in the NFL. Its probably the worst offensive division in football.

Despite this fact, the Steelers still had the toughest SOS in recent history. It wasn't a cake schedule that made these team defenses look great this season.

I've seen this repeated several times and I have no idea where it's coming from. I don't really want to sidetrack this thread, but I just don't see how that's possible. Sagarin ranks the Steelers SOS as the fifth hardest in the league. But even if you don't trust him, how can you say the Steelers had a tougher schedule than the Browns? The teams had 12 common opponents and then the Browns played the Steelers (12-4) twice, the Broncos (8-8) and the Bills (7-9) while the Steelers played the Patriots (11-5), Chargers (8-8) and Browns (4-12) twice? Twelve common opponents and Cleveland's four unique opponents went 39-25 while Pittsburgh's unique opponents went 27-37. Similarly, Cincinnati had the same 12 opponents as Pittsburgh but their unique opponents went 35-29.Anyway, the Steelers SOS was really tough but I just don't know why I keep hearing how it was the most difficult in history.

 

[gman74]

Anyway, the Steelers SOS was really tough but I just don't know why I keep hearing how it was the most difficult in history.

Because this board is full of Steeler honks that will find any excuse they can to say we are the greatest ever.

 

[Chase Stuart]

Thanks, choke.

 

[ThaPenguin]

I will take my chance with a D that gives up more yards and less points. I will take another helping of the Ravens please.

Am I reading the stats wrong?? It looks like the Steelers gave up less points. Please correct me if I'm wrong.

 

[Tom Servo]

 

[CrossEyed]

I will take my chance with a D that gives up more yards and less points. I will take another helping of the Ravens please.

Am I reading the stats wrong?? It looks like the Steelers gave up less points. Please correct me if I'm wrong.

Don't confuse them with the facts.

 

[Chase Stuart]

The Giants are sort of an interesting study here. New York ranks 7th in pass D and 16th in rush D, 10th in offensive touchdowns allowed but 5th in points allowed. Why? I think they allow so few points because of their offense. They average 33:19 of TOP a game, just a hair behind the Ravens for highest in the league. The Giants offense has only 13 turnovers this season; along with Miami this year, that is the fewest in modern history. When your offense is on the field for a long time and doesn't turn the ball over, you're not going to allow that many points even if your defense isn't stellar. I think that might be the case with the Giants this year. In the Cleveland, Carolina and (second) Philadelphia game, the Giants allowed 140 rushing yards and a score.

The Giants could face two very good RBs in the playoffs (Williams, Peterson, Westbrook, Turner) so we'll see.

 

[Chase Stuart]

The offenses can be ranked this way, too.

Passing offense:

1	 7.36	San Diego Chargers 2	 6.94	New Orleans Saints 3	 6.80	Miami Dolphins 4	 6.65	Atlanta Falcons 5	 6.55	Arizona Cardinals 6	 6.38	Indianapolis Colts 7	 6.38	Carolina Panthers 8	 6.19	Denver Broncos 9	 6.10	Green Bay Packers 10	6.09	Houston Texans 11	5.70	New York Giants 12	5.64	New England Patriots 13	5.50	Dallas Cowboys 14	5.47	Tennessee Titans 15	5.44	Philadelphia Eagles 16	5.41	Tampa Bay Buccaneers 17	5.28	Washington Redskins 18	5.21	Baltimore Ravens 19	5.07	Pittsburgh Steelers 20	5.00	Jacksonville Jaguars 21	4.87	Minnesota Vikings 22	4.85	San Francisco 49ers 23	4.85	Buffalo Bills 24	4.72	Chicago Bears 25	4.57	Kansas City Chiefs 26	4.45	New York Jets 27	4.36	Oakland Raiders 28	4.16	Seattle Seahawks 29	4.07	Detroit Lions 30	3.90	St. Louis Rams 31	3.26	Cincinnati Bengals 32	3.11	Cleveland Browns

Rushing offense:

1	 6.03	Carolina Panthers 2	 5.77	New York Giants 3	 5.70	New York Jets 4	 5.59	Denver Broncos 5	 5.27	Tennessee Titans 6	 5.26	New England Patriots 7	 5.25	Kansas City Chiefs 8	 5.18	Atlanta Falcons 9	 5.07	Minnesota Vikings 10	5.04	Miami Dolphins 11	5.01	Houston Texans 12	5.01	New Orleans Saints 13	4.96	Jacksonville Jaguars 14	4.92	Buffalo Bills 15	4.90	Dallas Cowboys 16	4.88	Washington Redskins 17	4.72	Oakland Raiders 18	4.72	Seattle Seahawks 19	4.72	San Diego Chargers 20	4.69	Baltimore Ravens 21	4.68	Philadelphia Eagles 22	4.65	Tampa Bay Buccaneers 23	4.63	Green Bay Packers 24	4.55	Chicago Bears 25	4.53	San Francisco 49ers 26	4.37	Pittsburgh Steelers 27	4.35	Detroit Lions 28	4.34	St. Louis Rams 29	4.29	Arizona Cardinals 30	4.22	Cleveland Browns 31	4.15	Indianapolis Colts 32	3.90	Cincinnati Bengals

Points scored:

1	 463	New Orleans Saints 2	 439	San Diego Chargers 3	 427	New York Giants 4	 427	Arizona Cardinals 5	 419	Green Bay Packers 6	 416	Philadelphia Eagles 7	 414	Carolina Panthers 8	 410	New England Patriots 9	 405	New York Jets 10	391	Atlanta Falcons 11	385	Baltimore Ravens 12	379	Minnesota Vikings 13	377	Indianapolis Colts 14	375	Tennessee Titans 15	375	Chicago Bears 16	370	Denver Broncos 17	366	Houston Texans 18	362	Dallas Cowboys 19	361	Tampa Bay Buccaneers 20	347	Pittsburgh Steelers 21	345	Miami Dolphins 22	339	San Francisco 49ers 23	336	Buffalo Bills 24	302	Jacksonville Jaguars 25	294	Seattle Seahawks 26	291	Kansas City Chiefs 27	268	Detroit Lions 28	265	Washington Redskins 29	263	Oakland Raiders 30	232	St. Louis Rams 31	232	Cleveland Browns 32	204	Cincinnati Bengals

Offensive Touchdowns:

RTD   PTD   TD		20	34	54	 1	New Orleans Saints13	34	47	 2	San Diego Chargers14	31	45	 3	Arizona Cardinals30	15	45	 3	Carolina Panthers19	23	42	 5	New York Giants21	21	42	 5	New England Patriots20	22	42	 5	New York Jets12	29	41	 8	Dallas Cowboys13	27	40	 9	Indianapolis Colts15	25	40	 9	Denver Broncos11	28	39	11	Green Bay Packers23	16	39	11	Atlanta Falcons15	23	38	13	Philadelphia Eagles18	20	38	13	Miami Dolphins15	22	37	15	Minnesota Vikings24	13	37	15	Tennessee Titans16	21	37	15	Houston Texans20	16	36	18	Baltimore Ravens15	20	35	19	Chicago Bears16	19	35	19	Pittsburgh Steelers17	15	32	21	Jacksonville Jaguars 9	23	32	21	Kansas City Chiefs13	18	31	23	Tampa Bay Buccaneers10	21	31	23	San Francisco 49ers16	14	30	25	Buffalo Bills10	18	28	26	Seattle Seahawks10	18	28	26	Detroit Lions12	14	26	28	Washington Redskins 9	13	22	29	Oakland Raiders 8	11	19	30	St. Louis Rams 6	11	17	31	Cleveland Browns 6	11	17	31	Cincinnati Bengals

 

[Frenchy Fuqua]

The Steelers defense, which ranked No. 1 overall and against the pass, finished the season with the fewest number of 20-yard runs (4), 20-yard passes (23) and 40-yard passes (2) in the league.

They were also first in points per game (13.9), yards per play (3.89) and third-down conversion percent (31.0, 71 of 226).

"Our goal is to not give up the big play, which leads to holding the score down," LeBeau said. "You can't deny these guys have done a tremendous job of that."

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09002/939112-66.stm

 

[Captain Spaulding]

There needs to be an adjustment to defensive "points allowed" stats. The NFL should take a note from MLB on the ERA stats (where relief pitchers don't get charged with runs scored by runners in scoring position from preceding pitcher).

This would work and its simple with no grey area:

- No TD's or Field goal points are charged to defense if the opponent starts with initial 1st down inside of the 10 yard line. (as a result of downs, turnover or special teams return)

- No Field goal points are charged to a defense if the opponent is unable to get a 1st down on initial series of possession (if the defense prevented the opposing offense from moving the ball at least 10 yards in 4 downs then any field goal points that should arise should not be charged to the defense).

- Obviously no safety points should be charged to a defense

 

[Chase Stuart]

Might as well put these all together. Very important to keep in mind that these do not include any adjustments for strength of schedule.

PassO RushO PtsO  TDO   PassD RushD PtsD  TDD   O Avg	D Avg	Tm AvgNew York Giants	  11	 2	 3	 5	 7	16	 5	10	 5.25	 9.50	 7.38Tennessee Titans	 14	 5	14	15	 3	 7	 2	 3	12.00	 3.75	 7.88Philadelphia Eagles  15	21	 6	13	 4	 3	 4	 6	13.75	 4.25	 9.00Baltimore Ravens	 18	20	11	18	 2	 2	 3	 2	16.75	 2.25	 9.50Carolina Panthers	 7	 1	 7	 3	13	23	12	13	 4.50	15.25	 9.88New England Patriots 12	 6	 8	 5	22	11	 8	15	 7.75	14.00	10.88Pittsburgh Steelers  19	26	20	19	 1	 1	 1	 1	21.00	 1.00	11.00San Diego Chargers	1	19	 2	 2	20	13	15	18	 6.00	16.50	11.25Miami Dolphins		3	10	21	13	12	18	 9	 8	11.75	11.75	11.75Minnesota Vikings	21	 9	12	15	15	 4	13	 5	14.25	 9.25	11.75New Orleans Saints	2	12	 1	 1	19	20	26	15	 4.00	20.00	12.00New York Jets		26	 3	 9	 5	17	 6	18	13	10.75	13.50	12.13Indianapolis Colts	6	31	13	 9	 8	21	 7	 3	14.75	 9.75	12.25Atlanta Falcons	   4	 8	10	11	21	28	11	20	 8.25	20.00	14.13Dallas Cowboys	   13	15	18	 8	11	19	20	 9	13.50	14.75	14.13Tampa Bay Buccaneers 16	22	19	23	 5	15	10	10	20.00	10.00	15.00Washington Redskins  17	16	28	28	10	 9	 6	 7	22.25	 8.00	15.13Green Bay Packers	 9	23	 5	11	 6	26	22	25	12.00	19.75	15.88Chicago Bears		24	24	15	19	 9	 5	16	20	20.50	12.50	16.50Arizona Cardinals	 5	29	 4	 3	25	12	28	31	10.25	24.00	17.13Houston Texans	   10	11	17	15	26	25	27	25	13.25	25.75	19.50Denver Broncos		8	 4	16	 9	31	31	30	28	 9.25	30.00	19.63Buffalo Bills		23	14	23	25	24	22	14	12	21.25	18.00	19.63San Francisco 49ers  22	25	22	23	18	 8	23	18	23.00	16.75	19.88Jacksonville Jaguars 20	13	24	21	28	14	21	24	19.50	21.75	20.63Seattle Seahawks	 28	18	25	26	30	17	25	22	24.25	23.50	23.88Kansas City Chiefs   25	 7	26	21	27	30	29	28	19.75	28.50	24.13Cleveland Browns	 32	30	31	31	14	24	16	15	31.00	17.25	24.13Oakland Raiders	  27	17	29	29	16	27	24	27	25.50	23.50	24.50Cincinnati Bengals   31	32	32	31	23	10	19	22	31.50	18.50	25.00St. Louis Rams	   30	28	30	30	29	29	31	28	29.50	29.25	29.38Detroit Lions		29	27	27	26	32	32	32	32	27.25	32.00	29.63

 

[AhrnCityPahnder]

 

[Chase Stuart]

PassO RushO PtsO TDO PassD RushD PtsD TDD O Avg D Avg Tm AvgPittsburgh Steelers 19 26 20 19 1 1 1 1 21.00 1.00 11.00We all know where the Steelers' bread is buttered, but it's surprising to me how bad the passing offense has looked. Of course, the running game has looked even worse, but I feel like that's been more publicized.

Year	Att	Cmp%	Yds	 Y/A	 TD	TD%	Int   Int%   Sk	Sk%	Yds	ANY/A2004	295	66.4	2621	8.88	17	5.8	11	3.7	30	9.2	213	6.412005	268	62.7	2385	8.90	17	6.3	 9	3.4	23	7.9	129	6.952006	469	59.7	3513	7.49	18	3.8	23	4.9	46	8.9	280	4.622007	404	65.3	3154	7.81	32	7.9	11	2.7	47   10.4	347	5.842008	469	59.9	3301	7.04	17	3.6	15	3.2	46	8.9	284	4.88

When Ben was at his best in '04 and '05, yards/attempt was always his best stat relative to the league average; his INT rate and sack rates weren't great, but you can be really effective even with some bad plays when you throw for nine yards per pass. Now he's averaging just 7 yards per pass, and his sack and INT numbers still aren't great. He's also throwing significantly fewer touchdowns per pass. Add it all up and his ANY/A went from sixth his rookie season and second the Super Bowl year, to falling half a yard below the league average in '08 and ranking 25th among QBs.So what gives? I know the OL has taken many steps back since his early years, but this is arguably his most talented group of WRs -- Miller is entering his prime, and Miller and Washington are upgrades over Randle El and Wilson. So what gives for the huge dropoff in passing efficiency by the Steelers? Is it Ben, the OL, Hines Ward declining, or the play calling?

 

[Captain Spaulding]

PassO RushO PtsO TDO PassD RushD PtsD TDD O Avg D Avg Tm AvgPittsburgh Steelers 19 26 20 19 1 1 1 1 21.00 1.00 11.00We all know where the Steelers' bread is buttered, but it's surprising to me how bad the passing offense has looked. Of course, the running game has looked even worse, but I feel like that's been more publicized.

Year	Att	Cmp%	Yds	 Y/A	 TD	TD%	Int   Int%   Sk	Sk%	Yds	ANY/A2004	295	66.4	2621	8.88	17	5.8	11	3.7	30	9.2	213	6.412005	268	62.7	2385	8.90	17	6.3	 9	3.4	23	7.9	129	6.952006	469	59.7	3513	7.49	18	3.8	23	4.9	46	8.9	280	4.622007	404	65.3	3154	7.81	32	7.9	11	2.7	47   10.4	347	5.842008	469	59.9	3301	7.04	17	3.6	15	3.2	46	8.9	284	4.88

When Ben was at his best in '04 and '05, yards/attempt was always his best stat relative to the league average; his INT rate and sack rates weren't great, but you can be really effective even with some bad plays when you throw for nine yards per pass. Now he's averaging just 7 yards per pass, and his sack and INT numbers still aren't great. He's also throwing significantly fewer touchdowns per pass. Add it all up and his ANY/A went from sixth his rookie season and second the Super Bowl year, to falling half a yard below the league average in '08 and ranking 25th among QBs.So what gives? I know the OL has taken many steps back since his early years, but this is arguably his most talented group of WRs -- Miller is entering his prime, and Miller and Washington are upgrades over Randle El and Wilson. So what gives for the huge dropoff in passing efficiency by the Steelers? Is it Ben, the OL, Hines Ward declining, or the play calling?

Most definitely the O-line is the biggest contributor to the lack of Ben's downfield success. He has some blame, but when defenses only need to rush 3-4 guys and drop everone back into coverage and the front 3 are getting pressure there isn't going to be as high % of long completions. This O-line might have 1 legitimate NFL starter on it and the rest are nothing more than respectable backups at best.

 

[gonzobill5]

PassO RushO PtsO TDO PassD RushD PtsD TDD O Avg D Avg Tm AvgPittsburgh Steelers 19 26 20 19 1 1 1 1 21.00 1.00 11.00We all know where the Steelers' bread is buttered, but it's surprising to me how bad the passing offense has looked. Of course, the running game has looked even worse, but I feel like that's been more publicized.

Year	Att	Cmp%	Yds	 Y/A	 TD	TD%	Int   Int%   Sk	Sk%	Yds	ANY/A2004	295	66.4	2621	8.88	17	5.8	11	3.7	30	9.2	213	6.412005	268	62.7	2385	8.90	17	6.3	 9	3.4	23	7.9	129	6.952006	469	59.7	3513	7.49	18	3.8	23	4.9	46	8.9	280	4.622007	404	65.3	3154	7.81	32	7.9	11	2.7	47   10.4	347	5.842008	469	59.9	3301	7.04	17	3.6	15	3.2	46	8.9	284	4.88

When Ben was at his best in '04 and '05, yards/attempt was always his best stat relative to the league average; his INT rate and sack rates weren't great, but you can be really effective even with some bad plays when you throw for nine yards per pass. Now he's averaging just 7 yards per pass, and his sack and INT numbers still aren't great. He's also throwing significantly fewer touchdowns per pass. Add it all up and his ANY/A went from sixth his rookie season and second the Super Bowl year, to falling half a yard below the league average in '08 and ranking 25th among QBs.So what gives? I know the OL has taken many steps back since his early years, but this is arguably his most talented group of WRs -- Miller is entering his prime, and Miller and Washington are upgrades over Randle El and Wilson. So what gives for the huge dropoff in passing efficiency by the Steelers? Is it Ben, the OL, Hines Ward declining, or the play calling?

Most definitely the O-line is the biggest contributor to the lack of Ben's downfield success. He has some blame, but when defenses only need to rush 3-4 guys and drop everone back into coverage and the front 3 are getting pressure there isn't going to be as high % of long completions. This O-line might have 1 legitimate NFL starter on it and the rest are nothing more than respectable backups at best.

True about the o-line, but don't underestimate the major support he got from the run game early in his career. It's a lot easier to hit a guy deep when the safety is sneaking up on every play. Whenever I've watched the guy play (up until this year) I've thought, what a lucky SOB he is. If he were on any other team behind any other line with any other run game or any defense he would be run of the mill. But then again, I hate the stillers.

 

[gonzobill5]

PassO RushO PtsO TDO PassD RushD PtsD TDD O Avg D Avg Tm AvgPittsburgh Steelers 19 26 20 19 1 1 1 1 21.00 1.00 11.00We all know where the Steelers' bread is buttered, but it's surprising to me how bad the passing offense has looked. Of course, the running game has looked even worse, but I feel like that's been more publicized.

Year	Att	Cmp%	Yds	 Y/A	 TD	TD%	Int   Int%   Sk	Sk%	Yds	ANY/A2004	295	66.4	2621	8.88	17	5.8	11	3.7	30	9.2	213	6.412005	268	62.7	2385	8.90	17	6.3	 9	3.4	23	7.9	129	6.952006	469	59.7	3513	7.49	18	3.8	23	4.9	46	8.9	280	4.622007	404	65.3	3154	7.81	32	7.9	11	2.7	47   10.4	347	5.842008	469	59.9	3301	7.04	17	3.6	15	3.2	46	8.9	284	4.88

When Ben was at his best in '04 and '05, yards/attempt was always his best stat relative to the league average; his INT rate and sack rates weren't great, but you can be really effective even with some bad plays when you throw for nine yards per pass. Now he's averaging just 7 yards per pass, and his sack and INT numbers still aren't great. He's also throwing significantly fewer touchdowns per pass. Add it all up and his ANY/A went from sixth his rookie season and second the Super Bowl year, to falling half a yard below the league average in '08 and ranking 25th among QBs.So what gives? I know the OL has taken many steps back since his early years, but this is arguably his most talented group of WRs -- Miller is entering his prime, and Miller and Washington are upgrades over Randle El and Wilson. So what gives for the huge dropoff in passing efficiency by the Steelers? Is it Ben, the OL, Hines Ward declining, or the play calling?

Most definitely the O-line is the biggest contributor to the lack of Ben's downfield success. He has some blame, but when defenses only need to rush 3-4 guys and drop everone back into coverage and the front 3 are getting pressure there isn't going to be as high % of long completions. This O-line might have 1 legitimate NFL starter on it and the rest are nothing more than respectable backups at best.

by the way, the 2008 line gave up 1 more sack than the 2007 line and 5 less than the 2006 line.

 

[Drunken Cowboy]

PassO RushO PtsO TDO PassD RushD PtsD TDD O Avg D Avg Tm AvgPittsburgh Steelers 19 26 20 19 1 1 1 1 21.00 1.00 11.00We all know where the Steelers' bread is buttered, but it's surprising to me how bad the passing offense has looked. Of course, the running game has looked even worse, but I feel like that's been more publicized.

Year	Att	Cmp%	Yds	 Y/A	 TD	TD%	Int   Int%   Sk	Sk%	Yds	ANY/A2004	295	66.4	2621	8.88	17	5.8	11	3.7	30	9.2	213	6.412005	268	62.7	2385	8.90	17	6.3	 9	3.4	23	7.9	129	6.952006	469	59.7	3513	7.49	18	3.8	23	4.9	46	8.9	280	4.622007	404	65.3	3154	7.81	32	7.9	11	2.7	47   10.4	347	5.842008	469	59.9	3301	7.04	17	3.6	15	3.2	46	8.9	284	4.88

When Ben was at his best in '04 and '05, yards/attempt was always his best stat relative to the league average; his INT rate and sack rates weren't great, but you can be really effective even with some bad plays when you throw for nine yards per pass. Now he's averaging just 7 yards per pass, and his sack and INT numbers still aren't great. He's also throwing significantly fewer touchdowns per pass. Add it all up and his ANY/A went from sixth his rookie season and second the Super Bowl year, to falling half a yard below the league average in '08 and ranking 25th among QBs.So what gives? I know the OL has taken many steps back since his early years, but this is arguably his most talented group of WRs -- Miller is entering his prime, and Miller and Washington are upgrades over Randle El and Wilson. So what gives for the huge dropoff in passing efficiency by the Steelers? Is it Ben, the OL, Hines Ward declining, or the play calling?

Ward had a very solid season. I don't think you can put it on him declining. There are several factors in my mind:Ben's shoulder wasn't right all year.

He played some really good D's.

Holmes did have a bad year.

Washington drops about every other ball thrown his way.

Parker was hurt most of the year.

 

[Irish]

PassO RushO PtsO TDO PassD RushD PtsD TDD O Avg D Avg Tm AvgPittsburgh Steelers 19 26 20 19 1 1 1 1 21.00 1.00 11.00We all know where the Steelers' bread is buttered, but it's surprising to me how bad the passing offense has looked. Of course, the running game has looked even worse, but I feel like that's been more publicized.

Year	Att	Cmp%	Yds	 Y/A	 TD	TD%	Int   Int%   Sk	Sk%	Yds	ANY/A2004	295	66.4	2621	8.88	17	5.8	11	3.7	30	9.2	213	6.412005	268	62.7	2385	8.90	17	6.3	 9	3.4	23	7.9	129	6.952006	469	59.7	3513	7.49	18	3.8	23	4.9	46	8.9	280	4.622007	404	65.3	3154	7.81	32	7.9	11	2.7	47   10.4	347	5.842008	469	59.9	3301	7.04	17	3.6	15	3.2	46	8.9	284	4.88

When Ben was at his best in '04 and '05, yards/attempt was always his best stat relative to the league average; his INT rate and sack rates weren't great, but you can be really effective even with some bad plays when you throw for nine yards per pass. Now he's averaging just 7 yards per pass, and his sack and INT numbers still aren't great. He's also throwing significantly fewer touchdowns per pass. Add it all up and his ANY/A went from sixth his rookie season and second the Super Bowl year, to falling half a yard below the league average in '08 and ranking 25th among QBs.So what gives? I know the OL has taken many steps back since his early years, but this is arguably his most talented group of WRs -- Miller is entering his prime, and Miller and Washington are upgrades over Randle El and Wilson. So what gives for the huge dropoff in passing efficiency by the Steelers? Is it Ben, the OL, Hines Ward declining, or the play calling?

OL is much worse than a few years ago. As a result of poor OL play the last few years, Ben has a habit of looking where the rush is coming from instead of going thru his progessions. Steelers running game is not up to Steeler standards as well. And OC Arians is just terrible in his play calling. This all adds up to low rankings in offensive categories.

 

[Drunken Cowboy]

PassO RushO PtsO TDO PassD RushD PtsD TDD O Avg D Avg Tm AvgPittsburgh Steelers 19 26 20 19 1 1 1 1 21.00 1.00 11.00We all know where the Steelers' bread is buttered, but it's surprising to me how bad the passing offense has looked. Of course, the running game has looked even worse, but I feel like that's been more publicized.

Year	Att	Cmp%	Yds	 Y/A	 TD	TD%	Int   Int%   Sk	Sk%	Yds	ANY/A2004	295	66.4	2621	8.88	17	5.8	11	3.7	30	9.2	213	6.412005	268	62.7	2385	8.90	17	6.3	 9	3.4	23	7.9	129	6.952006	469	59.7	3513	7.49	18	3.8	23	4.9	46	8.9	280	4.622007	404	65.3	3154	7.81	32	7.9	11	2.7	47   10.4	347	5.842008	469	59.9	3301	7.04	17	3.6	15	3.2	46	8.9	284	4.88

When Ben was at his best in '04 and '05, yards/attempt was always his best stat relative to the league average; his INT rate and sack rates weren't great, but you can be really effective even with some bad plays when you throw for nine yards per pass. Now he's averaging just 7 yards per pass, and his sack and INT numbers still aren't great. He's also throwing significantly fewer touchdowns per pass. Add it all up and his ANY/A went from sixth his rookie season and second the Super Bowl year, to falling half a yard below the league average in '08 and ranking 25th among QBs.So what gives? I know the OL has taken many steps back since his early years, but this is arguably his most talented group of WRs -- Miller is entering his prime, and Miller and Washington are upgrades over Randle El and Wilson. So what gives for the huge dropoff in passing efficiency by the Steelers? Is it Ben, the OL, Hines Ward declining, or the play calling?

OL is much worse than a few years ago. As a result of poor OL play the last few years, Ben has a habit of looking where the rush is coming from instead of going thru his progessions. Steelers running game is not up to Steeler standards as well. And OC Arians is just terrible in his play calling. This all adds up to low rankings in offensive categories.

The line is bad, but not as bad as last year.

 

[5-ish Finkle]

The line is bad, but not as bad as last year.

I think it may be, just in a different way.Last season, the middle of the line was just destroyed on almost every pass play. The largest contributing factor to that was Sean Mahan starting at C. Hartwig has certainly been an improvement there. One could maybe argue that Stapleton, who is average at best, is better than Simmons too. Kemoeatu is a downgrade from Faneca. I suppose you could make a decent case for the interior pass blocking being better.Outside of that....Smith being hurt long-term this year, Colon looking like he took a step backward, and Max Starks being...well...Max Starks, the tackles have played worse than '07 in my mind.Add in that they've apparently all forgotten how to run block and I'm not sure the OL isn't WORSE than 2007, albeit not much.