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IMHO I'd say completion percentage, yards per completion and total yards are the 3 biggest factors.I've never understand why yards per attempt is even talked about. I don't give a rats behind if you're throwing the ball 25yds downfield every other play unless you're completing some of them.
I think they are just as good as the Colts and maybe just a notch below the Broncos. At the same time I don't think the Steelers offense is any better than the Cowboys, and a notch below the Giants. We could probably do this all day. I think questioning the Steelers passing game or offense is a natural response to the questions about the Seahawks defense. I think both teams will have good game plans to attack the weaknesses and strengths and see where that leads early. That is why to me, the first few possessions are so critical. Seattle needs to have rhythm and if the Steelers offense didn't scare me some, I wouldn't be so worried about how important it is for us to score early and maintain a lead. I respect the Steelers O and you respect the Seahawks D. I guess the rest of this is just for the others on either side who doubt these two units for one reason or the next. But I do feel their plights are similar and it's liable to be one of these two units, not the other two that everyone knows are great...that really decide the game.
See, I discredit total yards if I'm game planning for a team. If one team throws the ball 20 times a game and gains 200 yards, and another team throws 50 times a game for 250 yards, I'm a lot more worried about team A being able to beat me through the air, because they're obviously better at it - team B just throws it more.BTW - Roethlisberger was 7th in the NFL in completion percentage this year amongst QBs with min. 10 starts and the Steelers were #1 in the NFL with 12.83 yards per completion.
I agree. I think the Seahawks defense is solid, particularly against the run. I just think the Steelers have enough offensive balance now to score points on them, particularly if the force Roethlisberger to beat them. I also believe Seattle has a terrific offense, and that they will be able to score on Pittsburgh - that's why I think it will be such a good game.I know you're not implying this, but some people are acting like I've slandered the Seattle D by saying I think Pittsburgh can score on them. Not at all, I just think they're in the same ballpark as the defenses that Pittsburgh has already shown they can move the ball against, so they'll need to gameplan better than those teams did. My argument, for lack of a better word, is with the contention that the Steelers passing attack is "bottom of the bucket." I can't imagine anyone who has watched these playoffs would contend such, and I STILL don't know where that #30 ranking came from.
NFL.comYahoo has more sortable stats so I checked there too and it comes up the 24th ranked passing offense
all I meant by that is that a team ranked 30th (or 24th or 25th) is in the bottom quarter of the league. It was verbal short-hand on my part. I figure a team ranked in the top 25% is "good", middle 50% is "average" and bottom 25% can safely be classified as "bad" when held against the measuring stick of their peers.
Why are you only looking at Pittsburg's passing stats/offense for the playoffs, but you wont acknowledge Seattle's defense in the playoffs?I agree. I think the Seahawks defense is solid, particularly against the run. I just think the Steelers have enough offensive balance now to score points on them, particularly if the force Roethlisberger to beat them. I also believe Seattle has a terrific offense, and that they will be able to score on Pittsburgh - that's why I think it will be such a good game.I know you're not implying this, but some people are acting like I've slandered the Seattle D by saying I think Pittsburgh can score on them. Not at all, I just think they're in the same ballpark as the defenses that Pittsburgh has already shown they can move the ball against, so they'll need to gameplan better than those teams did. My argument, for lack of a better word, is with the contention that the Steelers passing attack is "bottom of the bucket." I can't imagine anyone who has watched these playoffs would contend such, and I STILL don't know where that #30 ranking came from.
I think we both make good arguments for our teams. I'm confident that Seattle can stop Pittsburgh enough, and score enough based on my knowledge of the NFL as a whole, my confidence in my team, and stats. You do the same with the Steelers. If we didn't feel this way the game would be much less anticipated in each of our minds. You know what I wonder? How did Chargers fans defend their team in that 1995 Super Bowl vs the 49ers? They were so overmatched in every way. I wonder if they quoted Stan Humphries passer rating and redzone percentage? That would be hilarious to see.I agree. I think the Seahawks defense is solid, particularly against the run. I just think the Steelers have enough offensive balance now to score points on them, particularly if the force Roethlisberger to beat them. I also believe Seattle has a terrific offense, and that they will be able to score on Pittsburgh - that's why I think it will be such a good game.I know you're not implying this, but some people are acting like I've slandered the Seattle D by saying I think Pittsburgh can score on them. Not at all, I just think they're in the same ballpark as the defenses that Pittsburgh has already shown they can move the ball against, so they'll need to gameplan better than those teams did. My argument, for lack of a better word, is with the contention that the Steelers passing attack is "bottom of the bucket." I can't imagine anyone who has watched these playoffs would contend such, and I STILL don't know where that #30 ranking came from.
that's funny, because IMO you have to respect both teams on both sides of the ball. Seattle has a proven offense, and a playoff dominant defense (albeit against a lame Washington and injured Carolina) And Pittsburgh has a proven defense and seemingly playoff dominant offense. Its almost like the football gods decided to reverse the strengths of these teams just in time for the playoffs, because what we've seen so far doesn't really match the regular season trend for either team.
It's all good. Actually, in retrospect, I prefer it to be thought of that way... I can only hope the Seattle coaching staff thinks so when devising their game plan.My point was that when evaluating a team's passing offense for the sake of game planning a single game, gross stats don't necessarily apply. The Steelers may be ranked #24 in total yards, but they rank first in yards per attempt. What that means to me is that rather than being a lousy passing team, one might ascertain that it is in actuality a decent passing team that just doesn't pass as much as many others.NFL.comYahoo has more sortable stats so I checked there too and it comes up the 24th ranked passing offense
As near as I can figure they're ranked
25th in yards (passing)
30th in completions per game
28th in 1st downs (passing)
they are however ranked
13th in completion percentage
15th in TDs (passing)
Also, it seems that my "bottom of the barrell" comment may have struck a few nerves
Honestly didn't mean to raise (too many) hackles
Eric
The Seehawk
I'm looking at their passing stats for the playoffs because teams have been playing them strictly against the run, and I am pointing out where that logic can lead. The Steelers running game has been less than stellar to say the least in these playoffs, but a lot of that is because, as mentioned, teams are stacking the run. That's all the more reason to throw the playoff stats out the window. Not once have I said I think Pittsburgh has the better offense because they're averaging more ppg in the playoffs, a stat I could have easily cherry-picked if I'd wanted to.Why are you only looking at Pittsburg's passing stats/offense for the playoffs, but you wont acknowledge Seattle's defense in the playoffs?I agree. I think the Seahawks defense is solid, particularly against the run. I just think the Steelers have enough offensive balance now to score points on them, particularly if the force Roethlisberger to beat them. I also believe Seattle has a terrific offense, and that they will be able to score on Pittsburgh - that's why I think it will be such a good game.I know you're not implying this, but some people are acting like I've slandered the Seattle D by saying I think Pittsburgh can score on them. Not at all, I just think they're in the same ballpark as the defenses that Pittsburgh has already shown they can move the ball against, so they'll need to gameplan better than those teams did. My argument, for lack of a better word, is with the contention that the Steelers passing attack is "bottom of the bucket." I can't imagine anyone who has watched these playoffs would contend such, and I STILL don't know where that #30 ranking came from.
I'm as big a Steeler homer as anyone, but I live in Oregon and I see Seachicken games every weekend. I am here to tell you without a shadow of a doubt the Seahawks have a better offense than Pittsburgh. They have a better WR core, they have a better RB and Hasselbeck is as good as Rothlisberger in every facet of game play. They also have a better offensive line than Pittsburgh.
You obviously didn't read the posts leading up to it as Evilgrin and I have had several talks over the past few days. The item you highlighted is in reference to the talk on this board about those two units. Anyone in their right mind respects the Hawks O and the Steelers D. For the shot in bold above my response is this:
What you're leaving out is that Trufant gained neither the power to spin webs, nor the superhuman strength and leaping ability commonly attributed to radioactive spider bites. Instead, he merely grew 6 extra eyes. While this would theoretically be a benefit to a cornerback, surprisingly, he gained no added peripheral vision. Tragically, all it did was make him substantially less attractive.
I agree with you except that I'd argue the Steelers' defensive pressure had more to do with those turnovers than Plummer's flu. Moreover, I think Plummer would tell you the same if asked.
Are you kidding? Is that REALLY what you're coming to the table with?They scored 1.4 more ppg against .500 teams? How long did it take you to come up with that stat?
I would have asked him but he's too busy shaving his beard to answer.
I agree with #1 and #3 but cannot agree with #2 at all. On what are you basing this?
Ahh but Seattle hasn't beaten a .500 or better team on the road all year. The real point to be made here is that it's hard to look at a team beating up on the Rams, Cardinals and 49'ers every week and compare their stats to a team that has clearly played superior competition.Are you kidding? Is that REALLY what you're coming to the table with?They scored 1.4 more ppg against .500 teams? How long did it take you to come up with that stat?
Try this one on for size:
The Steelers were 2-4 (.333) this season against playoff teams.
Probably managed to eek out that extra 1.4 per game trying to come from behind
Eric
The Seehawk
BTW before anybody actually replies to this please know that I know it's a silly and useless stat. I'm trying to make a point....
Elway will always be the gold standard to me. My buddies and I never stopped making fun of his horseface and giant teeth... one day he was on a radio talk show, and I called in and asked : "So, John, what time do you usually hit the hay?" He started answering, legitimately speaking about his sleep habits, while you could actually hear three of my buddies in the background cracking up laughing over the radio. They disconnected us quickly, brushed the question under the carpet, and moved on.
On the playoffs:Net Yards given up: Seattle 501 Pitt 613
Apples to oranges. How can you compare playoff wins on the road in Cincy, Indy and Denver to playoff wins at home against Washington and Carolina? Seattle hasn't won a game all year against a team as good as the three the Steelers beat (Indy rested all of its' stars) in the playoffs or in an environment as difficult.
Yes. The Steelers have scored 55 points in the last two games, while Seattle has scored 54. Thus, the Steelers currently have the better offense. P.S. Regular season, Seattle was #7 in scoring defense, not #2. I have no idea where these stats are coming from, methinks they're just made up. Indianapolis and Denver were #2 and #4 in scoring defense.
That's good to know, because Tommy Maddox wears #8 for the Steelers. Seeing as he is a QB wearing that #, the Steelers are sure to win.
Sooo...we've got 3 patsies in the division and you've only got 2. Ok...you got me! Obviously the fact that the Bengals were good this year somehow makes the Steelers better then the Seehawks.You seem to think there's honor in simply PLAYING superior competition, wouldn't it be more impressive if they actually BEAT the competion?
Hmm...I count 5 Steelers wins against playoff teams:at Indy (with Manning/Edge/Harrison)-AFC #1 Seed
Carolina beat Chicago in the playoffs. I could go on but I'll give due respect to the Steeler fans here with good arguments.
Steelers lost to Indy...unless you're actually counting the playoffs themselves? If that's what you're doing then the Steelers are 6-4 against .500 teams
)
My fault, Sorgi and the rest of the Indy 2nd string.Admittedly, Cinci lost some of it's steam when Palmer went down, and it's not nearly as gratifying beating them without Palmer, but Indy sat every single one of their stars down. At least we were still contending with Rudi and the ball-hawking Cinci secondary. And not to mention, Indy didn't even have their head coach that day.I'll work on getting all Seahawk fans to stop referring to the the Colts win as "impressive" if you get all Steeler fans to stop referring to beating the Bengals in the playoffs as something to be proud of. You were going against Kitna for crying out loud
Eric
The Seehawk
Incorrect.The Steelers have 5 wins against playoff teams (Indy, Den, Cinx2, Chi) and 7 wins against .500+ teams (playoff teams plus San Diego and Minn).Steelers lost to Indy...unless you're actually counting the playoffs themselves? If that's what you're doing then the Steelers are 6-4 against .500 teams
and the Seahawks are 6-2 against .500 teams
(or for 3MTA3 they're 5-4 and 5-2 tossing out the Seahawks win to the Manning-less Colts and the Steelers win against the Palmer-less Bengals
Giants didn't win their division? Colts? NFL.com/schedule/standings/results down?Incorrect.The Steelers have 5 wins against playoff teams (Indy, Den, Cinx2, Chi) and 7 wins against .500+ teams (playoff teams plus San Diego and Minn).Steelers lost to Indy...unless you're actually counting the playoffs themselves? If that's what you're doing then the Steelers are 6-4 against .500 teams
and the Seahawks are 6-2 against .500 teams
(or for 3MTA3 they're 5-4 and 5-2 tossing out the Seahawks win to the Manning-less Colts and the Steelers win against the Palmer-less Bengals
The Steelers have beaten 5 division champs, the Seahawks 1.
