Quote:
Originally Posted by Sylvanfan
I think that there is still a pre-conceived notion that the Steelers are a big play offence that lights it up for 550 yards every week with 400 passing and 150 plus on the ground while being a bit loose on defence. They're still romanticized as being like the 1999 Rams.
Reality is that Pittsburgh isn't that type of team right now. As you state they are very much a run the hell out of the ball, play good defence, and make a few plays in the passing game with Antonio Brown. Roethlisberger hasn't really lit teams up in the passing game since he's been back from injury. Their defence has been massively improved since they lost to the Cowboys and James Harrison basically told the defence to be selfish and do your job, rather than try and do everyone's job.
Similarly, the Patriots actually were a much better running team this year, didn't rely on the crazy passing stats of the past, and were much better on defence.
I'll be interested to see what Bellichicks game plan is for the Steelers. Realistically, the Chiefs despite their issues stopping Bell kept the passing game to a reasonable level and the overall point total down. One could argue that the Steelers should have tried more runs with Bell in the red zone...but if New England does the same thing on D and holds the Steelers to 18 points, let Bell get his yards, but no touch downs. The Patriots won't lose that game.
As much as the Texans offence get's mocked. The Chiefs are a team who lost 4 of their 5 games this year when they gave up 19 points three times, and 18 the other time.
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I would expect that Bellichick would rather take the run away from the Steelers, because frankly if Bell chews up the field and the clock it takes the Patriots offense off of the field.
Bell is interesting because he has a unique style of seeking the hole with the whole bouncing around thing, usually his style drives coaches crazy because they preach find the hole follow the block.
BB might be content with running a run blitz all after noon, trying to nullify the gaps and forcing him into the free linebacker who's job is to find work.
The danger of this strategy is it gives you limited pass options, you can either go man to man and hope and pray or say screw it stack the box attack the gaps leave a free flow linebacker and dare Pittsburgh to out throw a Brady offense.
