NO Run Game At All Today.....

[katmandu]

... and ALL season.

Yea, I know. Mostly backups OL today. AV ?? Love the man, but he's toast.

Dobbs had (20) Yards in (2) Carries...

Conner had (37) Yards in (9) Carries....

Sitting here just watched Derrick Henry rip one loose up the middle for (52) Yards...... WITH EASE.... I'm JEALOUS !! Lol !!

Steelers seriously needs to get a big power back again !

[DesertSteel]

In case you haven’t been watching, we’ve had worse this year.

[86WARD]

They just need run blocking and a healthy Conner is more than capable. Even with shitty blocking, Conner averaged a little over 4 yards/carry. Those yards were pretty much all Conner too. Quite a few times he got hit in the backfield and “pin-balled” his way to 4 yards.

[katmandu]

Derrick Henry just ripped off another 35 Yarder.... with easy.

I dunno.. Tomlin compared Dupree with Henry (body style, athleticism, toughness), perhaps Bud can move to RB next season ! Lol !

- - - Updated - - -


They just need run blocking and a healthy Conner is more than capable. Even with shitty blocking, Conner averaged a little over 4 yards/carry. Those yards were pretty much all Conner too. Quite a few times he got hit in the backfield and “pin-balled” his way to 4 yards.I like Conner and all but not as a Premier back. More like a Rocky Bleir in my mind. We need someone that can bust it loose... routinely. Like Henry does. I know there's not a lot of players like Henry out there, but the Steelers have got to do something about this pathetic run game.

[86WARD]

They’re trying to get Henry the rushing record and are going all out to get it...lol.

Big difference in Taylor Lewan and co. versus AV and his friends...

[CV1]

I love watching power run teams... even if they aren’t the Steelers.

A run dominate team even with a half assed QB can keep opposing offenses off the field.

You have a QB that can occasionally toss the rock 25, and an O line and feature back that get 5 with an occasional long run... is a pure pleasure to watch.

Pretty much the Steelers in ‘05, ‘08, ‘10


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[fansince'76]

They’re trying to get Henry the rushing record and are going all out to get it...lol.

If Tomlin did something like that he'd be called an idiot for running Henry's wheels off.

[86WARD]

If Tomlin did something like that he'd be called an idiot for running Henry's wheels off.

Very true!

[El-Gonzo Jackson]

If Tomlin did something like that he'd be called an idiot for running Henry's wheels off.

But at least he would not have lost the locker room. :sarcasm:

[Six Rings]

Conner isn't the answer, Neither is Snell and McFarland showed little. We need to draft a back in the first three rounds,

[86WARD]

Conner isn't the answer, Neither is Snell and McFarland showed little. We need to draft a back in the first three rounds,

Wouldn’t make a difference if the line continues to block the way they do.

[that1guy]

Najee Harris may be the 1st pick for the Steelers in April. Conner cannot stay healthy, Snell lacks vision and McFarland is lackluster

[fansince'76]

Najee Harris may be the 1st pick for the Steelers in April.

I could certainly live with that.

[that1guy]

I could certainly live with that.

Me too.

[Six Rings]

The lack of running game is compounded by the fact that Ben likes to target Johnson and Ebron too much and our OC is an idiot. Throw the ball down field 10-15 yards before the safety gets into the picture.

[W&M_Steeler]

Wouldn’t make a difference if the line continues to block the way they do.

The O-line needs to be re-vamped (and possibly a new coach), but Conner is the only RB the Steelers have right now who belongs on an NFL roster. Guys like Snell, McFarland, and Samuels make the line look even worse than what it is. RB is a high priority pick.

[El-Gonzo Jackson]

Steelers averaged 4.3 YPC. That is a decent run average, but only 19 carries by ballcarriers. That highschool fly sweep play to Ray Ray is still in the play call sheet, so still an indication of the offensive system.

Let me ask fans this. How often were Browns receivers open in space with no defender within 5 yards of them?...and how often were Steelers receivers open in similar space?? I would say it looks like Stefanski has an offensive system that is well designed to get players open in the passing game and has a commitment to the run game. Fichtner's offense......not so much.

[Mojouw]

Steelers averaged 4.3 YPC. That is a decent run average, but only 19 carries by ballcarriers. That highschool fly sweep play to Ray Ray is still in the play call sheet, so still an indication of the offensive system.

Let me ask fans this. How often were Browns receivers open in space with no defender within 5 yards of them?...and how often were Steelers receivers open in similar space?? I would say it looks like Stefanski has an offensive system that is well designed to get players open in the passing game and has a commitment to the run game. Fichtner's offense......not so much.

that is true. Stefanski's entire system is based off of running the ball. Fichtner's (in that it is based off anything) is the other way.

However....has anyone mentioned how poor Snell and McFarland are at reading blocks (or whatever the term is)? Those two can't seem to identify a hole to save their life. Snell appears to like to just run into random gaps regardless of where his blockers are going and McFarland...I don't know...he just seems to like to run fast to somewhere regardless of what is going on around him.

The offensive line is not playing very well. Fichtner's system isn't all that great. But the RBs are also "below the line".

[El-Gonzo Jackson]

that is true. Stefanski's entire system is based off of running the ball. Fichtner's (in that it is based off anything) is the other way.

However....has anyone mentioned how poor Snell and McFarland are at reading blocks (or whatever the term is)? Those two can't seem to identify a hole to save their life. Snell appears to like to just run into random gaps regardless of where his blockers are going and McFarland...I don't know...he just seems to like to run fast to somewhere regardless of what is going on around him.

The offensive line is not playing very well. Fichtner's system isn't all that great. But the RBs are also "below the line".

Said it before, I think Javon Leake was a better RB at Maryland last year than McFarland. I'm not that optimistic that McFarland brings much to the Steelers backfield.

[Mojouw]

Said it before, I think Javon Leake was a better RB at Maryland last year than McFarland. I'm not that optimistic that McFarland brings much to the Steelers backfield.

Agree. I liked the speed of the player and the idea behind the type of RB...but it hasn't really panned out yet. I choose to be optimistic as McFarland wouldn't be the first rookie RB to struggle to read NFL blocking. Many have improved that skill/ability over their careers. Maybe McFarland can do that as well...maybe not.

[El-Gonzo Jackson]

Agree. I liked the speed of the player and the idea behind the type of RB...but it hasn't really panned out yet. I choose to be optimistic as McFarland wouldn't be the first rookie RB to struggle to read NFL blocking. Many have improved that skill/ability over their careers. Maybe McFarland can do that as well...maybe not.

Its not as simple as "reading blocking". He knows what hole the play is designed for if its man blocking or inside zone. If its outside zone or stretch, he knows how to run that as well. IMO, a lot of rookie RB's need to understand they are looking for creases and not holes, then hit that crease with assertiveness to run thru contact. OR, they need to learn how to setup the run. so the crease is where they want it to be and then hit it.

I dont think McFarland runs with the balance or authority to run thru arm tackles and maybe his injury past leads him to run soft like that. All the talk was of his speed and that he could be a home run hitter, but I dont see him running with any assertiveness, never mind running away from anybody.

[Fire Goodell]

No run game at all today? More like No run game at all for 3/4 of the season.

[Mojouw]

Its not as simple as "reading blocking". He knows what hole the play is designed for if its man blocking or inside zone. If its outside zone or stretch, he knows how to run that as well. IMO, a lot of rookie RB's need to understand they are looking for creases and not holes, then hit that crease with assertiveness to run thru contact. OR, they need to learn how to setup the run. so the crease is where they want it to be and then hit it.

I dont think McFarland runs with the balance or authority to run thru arm tackles and maybe his injury past leads him to run soft like that. All the talk was of his speed and that he could be a home run hitter, but I dont see him running with any assertiveness, never mind running away from anybody.

And that is what I meant. Wrong terminology or whatever, but it is a "skill" that many RBs have improved from their rookie year forward. He still has more "upside" than Snell or Samuels.

[cubanstogie]

when none of our RBs has any success it tells me its more on O line than any RB. Conner only has had some success because of his tremendous effort every touch he gets. Not saying Im happy with anyone besides Conner but if Snell had a solid line run blocking he might average 3.7a carry, thats his ceiling. Pretty sure Ben will be throwing 40 plus every game, I will be surprised if we get 100 yds rushing in any playoff game. Unless someone breaks a big one. Come to think of it I don’t recall a big run all year.

[Craic]

I would just like to point out that a couple of years ago when I noted a certain RB's 3.x average was due to the O line and not to his depleting ability, there was little agreement. And yet, they continue to block about as well as they did then. The only difference now is that Ben isn't throwing deep as much, which means they can bring even more guys up around the line to stuff the run as well as take away the short passes.

[cubanstogie]

I would just like to point out that a couple of years ago when I noted a certain RB's 3.x average was due to the O line and not to his depleting ability, there was little agreement. And yet, they continue to block about as well as they did then. The only difference now is that Ben isn't throwing deep as much, which means they can bring even more guys up around the line to stuff the run as well as take away the short passes.
Maybe L Bell is missed more than we want to admit. It would be interesting to see how he faired with our o line now

[W&M_Steeler]

Maybe L Bell is missed more than we want to admit. It would be interesting to see how he faired with our o line now

I doubt it. Bell isn't doing well with any Oline right now.

[Mojouw]

Is there a “style” discussion to be had here? I’m far out of my depth, but when has that ever stopped me before?

Many have pointed out, based on various points of evidence ranging from footwork, to presnap positioning/alignment, to first moves off the ball, that the Steelers o line plays passive. Could that be a combination of prioritizing pass blocking (and having everything “look” like pass blocking) and adapting to Bell’s unique patient running style? Now, a few seasons down the road - it is just kinda how they all block?

Just a stray thought and not likely really correct or useful.

[teegre]

As Baldinger has displayed for a few weeks now, it’s not necessarily the O-line that is the problem, it is the way that they are being asked to block. When they block east-west, they are indeed creating holes... but, those holes are a yard behind the LOS. When asked to block north-south, the holes are a yard past the LOS. That right there is already a difference of two yards per rush.

That said, AV looks like he’s on his last legs. Speed rushers are flying right past him. I’m assuming that there are ways to counter this (running the ball towards the pass rusher’s side in order to slow him down?), but I highly doubt that Fitchner would be able to figure it out...

...but Anthony Lynn might. :wink02:

[Disco1981]

They’re trying to get Henry the rushing record and are going all out to get it...lol.

Big difference in Taylor Lewan and co. versus AV and his friends...

Awwwww, You do know Lewan only played 5 games and was hurt this year

[86WARD]

Awwwww, You do know Lewan only played 5 games and was hurt this year

Well aware. It’s a blanket statement...lol.

“AV and Friends” vs “Lewan and Friends”. If it makes you feel better, we can say “AV and Friends” vs “Tennessee O-Line minus Taylor Lewan” or whatever works for you.

[DesertSteel]

What is preventing the Steelers from regaining the running attack they had in the first 5-6 games this year? Conner had three 100 yard games in that stretch. What is the difference between then and now?

[Shoes]

What is preventing the Steelers from regaining the running attack they had in the first 5-6 games this year? Conner had three 100 yard games in that stretch. What is the difference between then and now?

Conner's health was better? And less of snell?

[DesertSteel]

Conner's health was better? And less of snell?
But it seems that Conner is back health wise. What else is different? Even Snell had a 100 yard game during that stretch.

[Shoes]

But it seems that Conner is back health wise. What else is different? Even Snell had a 100 yard game during that stretch.

Oline played more as a unit?

[Mojouw]

What is preventing the Steelers from regaining the running attack they had in the first 5-6 games this year? Conner had three 100 yard games in that stretch. What is the difference between then and now?

My thought was that the entire defense was crowding the first handful of yards from scrimmage to defend against the short passing game, which also takes away the run. In stretches in the second half against Indy and the Browns, the deeper passing pushed the LBs and safeties back and Conner had some better runs...but I am not certain that is the only reason. Or even the main reason....but I find that it is interesting that once teams started taking the cue from the Ravens defensive alignment of pushing everyone forward and crowding the short area routes, the running game dried up.

[Fire Goodell]

My thought was that the entire defense was crowding the first handful of yards from scrimmage to defend against the short passing game, which also takes away the run. In stretches in the second half against Indy and the Browns, the deeper passing pushed the LBs and safeties back and Conner had some better runs...but I am not certain that is the only reason. Or even the main reason....but I find that it is interesting that once teams started taking the cue from the Ravens defensive alignment of pushing everyone forward and crowding the short area routes, the running game dried up.

This could be a big part of it. Crowded box is tough to run against.

[Rotorhead]

My thought was that the entire defense was crowding the first handful of yards from scrimmage to defend against the short passing game, which also takes away the run. In stretches in the second half against Indy and the Browns, the deeper passing pushed the LBs and safeties back and Conner had some better runs...but I am not certain that is the only reason. Or even the main reason....but I find that it is interesting that once teams started taking the cue from the Ravens defensive alignment of pushing everyone forward and crowding the short area routes, the running game dried up.

I this is almost entirely the issue. Med and Deep passes opened up lanes in the last 2 games. 5-6 guys blocking 8-9 is difficult to do.