On the 4 runs at goal line

[GodfatherofSoul]

I guess everyone hated the call, but I thought it was a gutsy challenge to the team. Make them stand up and either punch it in or challenge the D to get it back. We followed up with a 3-and-out so I thought it worked out. Had Kemo picked up 51 on the 2nd down goal line run (instead of tripping over his own fat feet) and not made the stupid hold, on the 3rd and 1 the next drive, we'd probably have scored the next drive.

[BlastFurnace]

It was a stupid call. Take the points. Go up by 7.

[X-Terminator]

I had no problem with the call at all. It was just terrible execution by a bad OL (well, mostly Kemo, who needs to be on the first bus out of town). And they ended up getting the ball at the Browns' 35 after the D forced a 3-and-out. Plus, Ben's INT doesn't happen and they probably score if Kemo doesn't fuck up by holding on a 3rd and 1. How the hell do you do that???

[Steelman]

I liked the call to try to stuff it in, but the execution was terrible. Our goal line runs have been a problem, Arians needs to figure out something different there.

Mendenhall is pretty quick, has decent speed, why not try a sweep, or an off-tackle toss? OR, Redman is our best short yardage back, why not give it to him behind a Johnson? 3 runs up the gut with Mendenhall obviously doesn't work.

I give Arians an F for that group of downs. I'm not one to call for his head every week, but that was weak playcalling. And even weaker execution.

[fansince'76]

They had to run it up the gut as Ben wasn't mobile enough at that point for an outside handoff. Wish our OL could control the LOS in short yardage against bad teams.

[Nadroj 20]

I had a huge problem with that call. We have a QB with one leg and we have the chance to put our team up a TD, meaning at the very least a tie if the browns were to find the endzone.

I trust our Defense don't get me wrong but in a situation where our QB is hurt we need to take POINTS anytime we can get them, especially when you were stuffed 3 times in a row before that...

[Godfather]

I liked the call to try to stuff it in, but the execution was terrible. Our goal line runs have been a problem, Arians needs to figure out something different there.

Mendenhall is pretty quick, has decent speed, why not try a sweep, or an off-tackle toss? OR, Redman is our best short yardage back, why not give it to him behind a Johnson? 3 runs up the gut with Mendenhall obviously doesn't work.

I give Arians an F for that group of downs. I'm not one to call for his head every week, but that was weak playcalling. And even weaker execution.

I agree 100%.

[Nadroj 20]

They had to run it up the gut as Ben wasn't mobile enough at that point for an outside handoff. Wish our OL could control the LOS in short yardage against bad teams.

Does anyone think the Browns weren't aware of that? We were basically telling them what we are doing. I'm sorry but I think points are better there.


Since it all worked out there is no sense in me complaining about it so I'll just leave it at that

[SteelerFanInStl]

I had no problem with the call at all. It was just terrible execution by a bad OL (well, mostly Kemo, who needs to be on the first bus out of town). And they ended up getting the ball at the Browns' 35 after the D forced a 3-and-out. Plus, Ben's INT doesn't happen and they probably score if Kemo doesn't fuck up by holding on a 3rd and 1. How the hell do you do that???

Agreed. I liked the call but hated the execution by the OL and don't think that Mendy hit it that hard either. I would've liked to have seen Redman get a shot.

[7willBheaven]

Mendenhall is pretty quick, has decent speed, why not try a sweep, or an off-tackle toss? OR, Redman is our best short yardage back, why not give it to him behind a Johnson? 3 runs up the gut with Mendenhall obviously doesn't work.

I didnt like the call...those 3 points COULD have been huge. But I was calling for this too...why not toss it outside and try to get it in. I really dont even think Redman could have got in running it up the gut though.

[tube517]

I don't mind the 4 runs but give it to Redman once or twice. He is a better short yardage back than Mendy.

[steelreserve]

I think the call was fine; the odds are in your favor that you'll get two yards on at least ONE of those plays. We just didn't get the job done.

[Butch]

I did not like the call with a chance to go up 7, but if you are going to go for it, why not put Redzone in there??? I would have put him in there on 3rd down and again on 4th if I didn't kick it.

Redman is a pile mover, Mendy runs more upright.

[Merchant]

I like Tomlin's explanation of the decision to go for it on 4th down in the post-game conference. "If we can't punch it in with 4 tries from the 1 yard line, we deserve to potentially lose."

[Devilsdancefloor]

i would be tickled pink if i here in april with the 32nd pick in teh 2012 draft the pittsburgh steelers pick Kelechi Osemele, from Iowa State

[zulater]

I like Tomlin's explanation of the decision to go for it on 4th down in the post-game conference. "If we can't punch it in with 4 tries from the 1 yard line, we deserve to potentially lose."

The definition of insanity was once said to be, doing the same thing repeatedly and expecting different results. Running the same play from basically the same formation 4 times and he thought he might score on the last one? Hell they could have run it 5 more times from there and they'd have still have not got it in. Tomlin made a major tactical error, he's lucky his team bailed him out on this one.

[Merchant]

The definition of insanity was once said to be, doing the same thing repeatedly and expecting different results. Running the same play from basically the same formation 4 times and he thought he might score on the last one? Hell they could have run it 5 more times from there and they'd have still have not got it in. Tomlin made a major tactical error, he's lucky his team bailed him out on this one.

True but if you're passing it from that close you typically wanna go play-action and that would've been too difficult for Ben given his injury.

[Chidi29]

I agree that your line should be able to punch it in from the 2 yard line on four plays. If you can't do that, there's problems. Basically what Tomlin said.

But, I hated the playcall on 4th down. Same exact thing done on first or second. Motion to Heath and the defense was able to time it perfectly. You're telling the defense when to get their jump and the most crucial aspect to stop those goalline runs are a great jump off the snap.

[zulater]

True but if you're passing it from that close you typically wanna go play-action and that would've been too difficult for Ben given his injury.

Not arguing that. What bothered me is them taking our two biggest playmakers off the field ( Wallace and Brown) in the red zone. I'm fine with Mendy getting the carries, but spread 'em out a little, make the safeties respect the pass and you might get a little more movement off the snap.

[katmandu]

Bring back "Refrigerator Perry" !!

[steel9guy]

I miss Jerome Bettis!!!! Great call though just should've used Redman.

[suitanim]

At home, in a close game, in a playoff race, you have GOT to be able to smash the ball in on 1st and goal against inferior competition. I had no problem with the call, but a big problem with no Redman. And our OL took a big step back yesterday...

[Godfather]

Bring back "Refrigerator Perry" !!

Ooh...Big Snack getting the ball there would have been awesome.

[NJarhead]

I loved the call, but I think #33 should have been in. Call me simple, but it seems we have a perfect three-pronged formula in terms of personnel for running the ball:

#34 between the 10's
#33 inside the 10's and for blows
#21 on 3rd and long and for blows

Seems to work when ever they're used in that way.

Also, with Ben's ankle there would be no play action and the Browns knew with the personnel a throw was unlikely. I too miss the days when everyone knew would be running but the defense couldn't do a thing about it. Who know's, if Pouncey is in at center and Kemo is on the bench rather than at LG we may have gotten it done. No matter, we won the game, but I have another point.

I'm sick of #68. He is a flag producing machine and he did jack squat with his opporunity to reclaim his job last night.

/rant.

[Dino 6 Rings]

The definition of insanity was once said to be, doing the same thing repeatedly and expecting different results. Running the same play from basically the same formation 4 times and he thought he might score on the last one? Hell they could have run it 5 more times from there and they'd have still have not got it in. Tomlin made a major tactical error, he's lucky his team bailed him out on this one.

I'm pretty sure the play calls were all different with different blocking schemes, and I'm pretty sure had Mendy cut left on 3rd down instead of plowing straight ahead to the right side of the Center he scores with ease, but I'll need to review the film again to be sure.

[polamalubeast]

[86WARD]

I'm pretty sure the play calls were all different with different blocking schemes, and I'm pretty sure had Mendy cut left on 3rd down instead of plowing straight ahead to the right side of the Center he scores with ease, but I'll need to review the film again to be sure.

I'm pretty sure they could've been a little more creative there...

[Dino 6 Rings]

I'm pretty sure they could've been a little more creative there...

Shouldn't have to be creative against the 31st run defense in the league in 4 tries from the 2 yard line. You should be able to just jam it down their throat. It was a lack of effort on the entire Offense combined with a stronger will shown by the defense.

Last thing I wanted to see was Ben rolling out in any capacity. Or a Stupid Bubble Screen or Stupid End around. Thanks but I'd rather just try to jam it home from the 2. It failed due to lack of Execution.

[86WARD]

Or predictability...they are "NFL Players" on the opposing sideline.

[NJarhead]

Shouldn't have to be creative against the 31st run defense in the league in 4 tries from the 2 yard line. You should be able to just jam it down their throat. It was a lack of effort on the entire Offense combined with a stronger will shown by the defense.

Last thing I wanted to see was Ben rolling out in any capacity. Or a Stupid Bubble Screen or Stupid End around. Thanks but I'd rather just try to jam it home from the 2. It failed due to lack of Execution.

Couldn't agree more.