stillers4me
10-20-2010, 04:17 PM
http://static.nfl.com/static/content/catch_all/nfl_image/pat_kirwan_HS_10_65_02.jpg By Pat Kirwan NFL.com
Senior Analyst
Published: Oct. 19, 2010 at 07:23 p.m.
Updated: Oct. 19, 2010 at 10:28 p.m.
Even though a strong case could be made for the Jets and a few other teams, I believe the Steelers are the best team in the league through six weeks. Pittsburgh gets the nod because of how well it played without Super Bowl MVP Ben Roethlisberger (http://www.nfl.com/players/benroethlisberger/profile?id=ROE750381), who has now returned to bolster the offense.
While he was gone, the team got back to its roots of running the ball and playing great defense. After watching the gameplan unfold in his return last Sunday, there is much to like about this team.
Take a look at the run-to-pass ratio on first downs. As you can see in the chart to the right, the Steelers got away from the run game from 2007-09. Granted, the yards per pass attempt went up, enticing the Steelers to move more in that direction, but this year paints a different picture.
Pittsburgh had to protect the backup quarterbacks that were on the field while Roethlisberger was gone, causing it to focus heavily on the run game. The Steelers have rushed the ball 72 percent of the time on first downs to the tune of 5 yards per carry.
Running the ball more for a higher average -- now that's getting it done............
http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d81b7611d/article/continued-focus-on-run-will-help-roethlisbergers-effectiveness?module=HP_spotlight
Senior Analyst
Published: Oct. 19, 2010 at 07:23 p.m.
Updated: Oct. 19, 2010 at 10:28 p.m.
Even though a strong case could be made for the Jets and a few other teams, I believe the Steelers are the best team in the league through six weeks. Pittsburgh gets the nod because of how well it played without Super Bowl MVP Ben Roethlisberger (http://www.nfl.com/players/benroethlisberger/profile?id=ROE750381), who has now returned to bolster the offense.
While he was gone, the team got back to its roots of running the ball and playing great defense. After watching the gameplan unfold in his return last Sunday, there is much to like about this team.
Take a look at the run-to-pass ratio on first downs. As you can see in the chart to the right, the Steelers got away from the run game from 2007-09. Granted, the yards per pass attempt went up, enticing the Steelers to move more in that direction, but this year paints a different picture.
Pittsburgh had to protect the backup quarterbacks that were on the field while Roethlisberger was gone, causing it to focus heavily on the run game. The Steelers have rushed the ball 72 percent of the time on first downs to the tune of 5 yards per carry.
Running the ball more for a higher average -- now that's getting it done............
http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d81b7611d/article/continued-focus-on-run-will-help-roethlisbergers-effectiveness?module=HP_spotlight