What would your plan be this week?

[AtlantaDan]

About Moncrief, do you think his hand injury is something still affecting him? He gets the ball ripped away a little too easily, and if that doesn't change, I'm seeing more fumbles in his future. A hand injury I'd imagine would be something that affects both catching and ball security. In either case he needs to sit behind Washington based on merit alone.

He says it is by stating he is going to try to play through the pain but setting up the justification my finger is still painful for why he cannot catch the damn ball

"[Ben Roethlisberger's] depending on me and I've got to make plays for him, hurt finger or not," Moncrief said. "There's nothing you can do to a dislocated finger, especially when you're a receiver. You've just got to tough out the pain and go."

https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/...-finger-injury

SI.com has a less charitable explnation

Moncrief continued to struggle on semi-contested catches. When privately discussing the former Colt/Jaguar, some NFL coaches whisper the word “soft.”

https://www.si.com/nfl/2019/09/11/st...iots-deep-dive

That’s the thing about the Steelers pass offense. It looks very simple from the naked eye compared to say the Patriots offense. Steelers offense appears to be basic routes. If those routes aren’t open then Ben extends the play and Antonio Brown gets open. The Patriots receivers run crossing and intertwining routes, someone gets open and Brady hits them in stride of the route. The one time the Steelers tried something like this on Sunday, two of the receivers ran into each other.

I’m not sure if that’s an accurate assessment, but without analyzing film, it appears that way.

Andy Benoit at SI.com shares your assessment

Pittsburgh’s scheme isn’t necessarily set up to help this callow receiving corps. No team spreads out into empty formations more, and many of the routes from here are isolated, with receivers expected to win—and quickly—one-on-one. The iso routes play to Ben Roethlisberger’s paradoxical proclivity for both getting the ball out immediately and extending plays, and the approach shined when built around a superstar like Antonio Brown. But if you’re a young struggling receiver, spread iso routes can be burdensome because so often finding your rhythm or regaining confidence simply comes down to whether you can get yourself open.

https://www.si.com/nfl/2019/09/11/st...iots-deep-dive

[Edman]

Oh. Okay. Here they are with no actual ideas or contributions.

Notice the thread title was NOT what would Tomlin or Butler or Fichtner do, but what would You do.

As usual, when tasked with actually contributing something original and focused on football specifics the loudest critics have the quietest voices.

Unless you are asking a rhetorical question, I merely responded to the question you asked.

As far as I would do. I would go through and examine the strengths and weaknesses of the team and try to maximize them to their fullest. If Juju is getting doubled or the defense is cheating over to him, design a couple plays to get other people open. The Steelers actually do this, but due to a certain someone I won't mention, it makes things difficult.

Examine the opponent and see what their weaknesses are and attack that weakness. If a team is poor at run Defense, Run the ball. But it's not just merely running the ball into stacked boxes. Where are they weakest on Run Defense? Left or Right? Is the weakness to the outside? Is it behind the tackle? Is it up the middle? Sometimes poor run defenses are just poor on one side, and stout on the other.

Run more playaction. The most underrated style of passing in the NFL. James Conner/Jaylen Samuels is a threat, so make Defenses pay for him.

Constant repetition in practice.

Just a few ideas. Does it guarantee wins? No, but I think it helps a lot more than what we've been doing.

[El-Gonzo Jackson]

SI.com has a less charitable explnation

Moncrief continued to struggle on semi-contested catches. When privately discussing the former Colt/Jaguar, some NFL coaches whisper the word “soft.”

Dang, I never knew the reputation he had of being soft. Steelers picked up a guy in FA that practices like Tarzan, but plays like Jane. That sucks.

[Mojouw]

Unless you are asking a rhetorical question, I merely responded to the question you asked.

As far as I would do. I would go through and examine the strengths and weaknesses of the team and try to maximize them to their fullest. If Juju is getting doubled or the defense is cheating over to him, design a couple plays to get other people open. The Steelers actually do this, but due to a certain someone I won't mention, it makes things difficult.

Examine the opponent and see what their weaknesses are and attack that weakness. If a team is poor at run Defense, Run the ball. But it's not just merely running the ball into stacked boxes. Where are they weakest on Run Defense? Left or Right? Is the weakness to the outside? Is it behind the tackle? Is it up the middle? Sometimes poor run defenses are just poor on one side, and stout on the other.

Run more playaction. The most underrated style of passing in the NFL. James Conner/Jaylen Samuels is a threat, so make Defenses pay for him.

Constant repetition in practice.

Just a few ideas. Does it guarantee wins? No, but I think it helps a lot more than what we've been doing.

That's a lot of interesting ideas. I would actually like to see the team do much of the same.

I actually think the almost total absence of play-action in the Steelers game-plans is a fire-able offense. If I was running a team and my OC wasn't using play-action, I would have him and the QB coach in my office first thing Monday to explain why not. If I didn't like the explanation, there might be a significant shake-up. Other teams that do not even run the ball, like hardly at all, are using play action and it still sucks-in linebackers and safeties. So you don't even need to run Conner and Samuels for it to work. It is the most baffling thing. I thought it was just a Haley issue, but now Fichtner is doing the same. So maybe, Ben hates it?

- - - Updated - - -

That’s the thing about the Steelers pass offense. It looks very simple from the naked eye compared to say the Patriots offense. Steelers offense appears to be basic routes. If those routes aren’t open then Ben extends the play and Antonio Brown gets open. The Patriots receivers run crossing and intertwining routes, someone gets open and Brady hits them in stride of the route. The one time the Steelers tried something like this on Sunday, two of the receivers ran into each other.

I’m not sure if that’s an accurate assessment, but without analyzing film, it appears that way.

I’ve heard a couple takes after the all 22 released and analysts are saying WRs were getting open. Maybe not ‘college’ open but there were windows. Ben just didn’t see a lot of them. One example was a crosser to Switzer for a short gain and JuJu actually had 2 steps on his defense. Ben never looked JuJu’s direction. Plus Ben simply missed on throws too. Drops, QB not going through progressions, no real threat to run(Pats D did a good job but you still need the option), no presnap motion, all tell me this offense is still trying to gel. Still in TC/preseason mode. May take a few games to sort this out. Unfortunate.

I hope you guys are right. The stuff I have read and seen online, indicates that no one was getting open down the field. The big pass to Washington was really only possible because McCourty blew his assignment. I see Ben buying oodles of time in the pocket and no one being able to shake their defender. Makes me think that the raw physical ability to pull away from DBs is lacking in this WR group. Maybe Moncrief got fed the ball because he is actually fast enough to run himself "open"?

- - - Updated - - -

That’s the thing about the Steelers pass offense. It looks very simple from the naked eye compared to say the Patriots offense. Steelers offense appears to be basic routes. If those routes aren’t open then Ben extends the play and Antonio Brown gets open. The Patriots receivers run crossing and intertwining routes, someone gets open and Brady hits them in stride of the route. The one time the Steelers tried something like this on Sunday, two of the receivers ran into each other.

I’m not sure if that’s an accurate assessment, but without analyzing film, it appears that way.

I’ve heard a couple takes after the all 22 released and analysts are saying WRs were getting open. Maybe not ‘college’ open but there were windows. Ben just didn’t see a lot of them. One example was a crosser to Switzer for a short gain and JuJu actually had 2 steps on his defense. Ben never looked JuJu’s direction. Plus Ben simply missed on throws too. Drops, QB not going through progressions, no real threat to run(Pats D did a good job but you still need the option), no presnap motion, all tell me this offense is still trying to gel. Still in TC/preseason mode. May take a few games to sort this out. Unfortunate.

He says it is by stating he is going to try to play through the pain but setting up the justification my finger is still painful for why he cannot catch the damn ball

"[Ben Roethlisberger's] depending on me and I've got to make plays for him, hurt finger or not," Moncrief said. "There's nothing you can do to a dislocated finger, especially when you're a receiver. You've just got to tough out the pain and go."

https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/...-finger-injury

SI.com has a less charitable explnation

Moncrief continued to struggle on semi-contested catches. When privately discussing the former Colt/Jaguar, some NFL coaches whisper the word “soft.”

https://www.si.com/nfl/2019/09/11/st...iots-deep-dive



Andy Benoit at SI.com shares your assessment

Pittsburgh’s scheme isn’t necessarily set up to help this callow receiving corps. No team spreads out into empty formations more, and many of the routes from here are isolated, with receivers expected to win—and quickly—one-on-one. The iso routes play to Ben Roethlisberger’s paradoxical proclivity for both getting the ball out immediately and extending plays, and the approach shined when built around a superstar like Antonio Brown. But if you’re a young struggling receiver, spread iso routes can be burdensome because so often finding your rhythm or regaining confidence simply comes down to whether you can get yourself open.

https://www.si.com/nfl/2019/09/11/st...iots-deep-dive

The last part is what I am afraid is the cold hard truth. The offense is built on the foundation of blowing open individual match-ups and NO ONE on the current roster is capable of consistently doing that. If that is the case and the scheme is not adjusted (honestly, it almost can not be at this point. Installs happen in training camp, not the actual season) then this offense will, by flawed design, struggle most of the season.

I've never been more pessimistic about the prospects for a Steelers season. Save maybe the year Ben ate a car.

[AtlantaDan]

The last part is what I am afraid is the cold hard truth. The offense is built on the foundation of blowing open individual match-ups and NO ONE on the current roster is capable of consistently doing that. If that is the case and the scheme is not adjusted (honestly, it almost can not be at this point. Installs happen in training camp, not the actual season) then this offense will, by flawed design, struggle most of the season.

Some additional thoughts from Bill Barnwell at ESPN.com on the offensive passing scheme not being a good match for the skill sets (or lack thereof) of the WRs

The Week 1 disasters, and predicting which could get better

Pittsburgh likely thought it would be able to take advantage of its speed against New England's cornerbacks, especially the corners who weren't Stephon Gilmore. That didn't work. Roethlisberger did hit James Washington for one 45-yard completion, but on throws 20 or more yards downfield, he was 1-of-7 with an interception and a QBR of just 4.2. None of those passes went to Juju Smith-Schuster. While you can understand that the Steelers might be willing to sacrifice their star wideout to Gilmore in the hopes of winning one-on-one elsewhere, their receivers weren't good enough to win those matchups.

And this observation, which we will be hearing more of if the running game (which can help open up the passing game) does not get on track

I do wonder, though, whether the offensive line is going to take a step backward in 2019. As much as we talked about them losing Brown and Le'Veon Bell this offseason, they also quietly let offensive line coach Mike Munchak leave for the Broncos and replaced him with Shaun Sarrett, Munchak's former assistant, who became a lead positional coach for the first time. The Steelers aren't breaking in any new starters given that right tackle Matt Feiler started most of last season, but it's hard to imagine that the line won't suffer some after one of the best coaches in the league left town.

https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/...get-better#ben

[NCSteeler]

That's a lot of interesting ideas. I would actually like to see the team do much of the same.

I actually think the almost total absence of play-action in the Steelers game-plans is a fire-able offense. If I was running a team and my OC wasn't using play-action, I would have him and the QB coach in my office first thing Monday to explain why not. If I didn't like the explanation, there might be a significant shake-up. Other teams that do not even run the ball, like hardly at all, are using play action and it still sucks-in linebackers and safeties. So you don't even need to run Conner and Samuels for it to work. It is the most baffling thing. I thought it was just a Haley issue, but now Fichtner is doing the same. So maybe, Ben hates it?

- - - Updated - - -





I hope you guys are right. The stuff I have read and seen online, indicates that no one was getting open down the field. The big pass to Washington was really only possible because McCourty blew his assignment. I see Ben buying oodles of time in the pocket and no one being able to shake their defender. Makes me think that the raw physical ability to pull away from DBs is lacking in this WR group. Maybe Moncrief got fed the ball because he is actually fast enough to run himself "open"?

- - - Updated - - -







The last part is what I am afraid is the cold hard truth. The offense is built on the foundation of blowing open individual match-ups and NO ONE on the current roster is capable of consistently doing that. If that is the case and the scheme is not adjusted (honestly, it almost can not be at this point. Installs happen in training camp, not the actual season) then this offense will, by flawed design, struggle most of the season.

I've never been more pessimistic about the prospects for a Steelers season. Save maybe the year Ben ate a car.

Your last statement is what kills me. Loosing a decade talent like AB in an offense based on individuals winning trh battle and they appear so far didn't I stall some changes!! Lately that is the standard. Lose Troy and make no defensive adjustment. Seriously lacking coaching staff.

Sent from my moto x4 using Tapatalk

[Born2Steel]

What is the Seahawks weakness? With only one game to look at it seems to be the deep pass. I would place a small bet we see more Steelers in a spread formation. This does play into Seattle’s ability to rush so expect Ben to take some hits.
On offense the Seahawks seem to be pretty solid. I guess their weakness would be take away the veteran WR and make them win with the run and the rookieWR? I think we really want to keep Russell contained inside the pocket too. This could be one of those tackle the catch is a decent idea. Maybe get a pick or cause a fumble. I’m a bit stuck on a good defensive plan.

A big issue(BIG ISSUE) defensively is how teams run screens out to the flat so our CBs drop into that, at the same time TEs and WRs run across or a seam which matches them to one of our LBs which is advantage offense. This could be why the redzone defense looks much better than between the 20s. Usually. So...how do you plan against this defensively unless you only rush 3 and that’s going to leave running lanes wide open. Seriously, any thoughts?

[Dissolv]

I would emphasize the run game, the play action pass, and try to turn the game into a low number of possessions/field position matters type grinder of a game. Pass when you have to, or when the odds are very, very favorable. Make the receivers block every play until there is no more talk of "soft", and they are hungry for the ball like rabid dogs. Shots down the field may be something that we have to work back into.

[El-Gonzo Jackson]

A big issue(BIG ISSUE) defensively is how teams run screens out to the flat so our CBs drop into that, at the same time TEs and WRs run across or a seam which matches them to one of our LBs which is advantage offense. This could be why the redzone defense looks much better than between the 20s. Usually. So...how do you plan against this defensively unless you only rush 3 and that’s going to leave running lanes wide open. Seriously, any thoughts?

Are you talking about RB screens to the flat or WR screens?

I think you are talking RB screen, so will address that. Opposing teams are going to try and run off the CB if in man or at least send a WR on a corner route so the CB has to cover that and then obviously slide the O line and Rb in the flat for the screen pass. Its up to the ILB on the RB side in either man or zone to read it and get out on the RB. The CB has to honor the WR pattern. Should be better with quicker ILB like Bush and Barron, but its also good if the linemen or rushing OLB recognize the passive pass blocking.

Also, if the defense runs more man on the WR and cover 2, then they can possibly commit another safety in the box and closer to LOS for screen. Honestly, zone is gonna prevent the bigger gain on screen passes, but its all about LB's that can recognize the screen and defeat the blocks of the O linemen before they happen. IMO, expecting a CB to sit and watch screens is a recipe for letting a WR run deep on a fake screen and go.

[El-Gonzo Jackson]

I would emphasize the run game, the play action pass, and try to turn the game into a low number of possessions/field position matters type grinder of a game. Pass when you have to, or when the odds are very, very favorable. Make the receivers block every play until there is no more talk of "soft", and they are hungry for the ball like rabid dogs. Shots down the field may be something that we have to work back into.

I agree. Offensively should run at the smaller DE's like Clowney and Ansah. Seattle LB's are good and fast, so run at them. That can setup shots at a secondary that is more the legion of whom nowadays. Defensively I think you play more zone, but mix up coverages. The play side ILB covers the RB and the weak side ILB( or box safety) spies and rushes Wilson on passing downs. Don't let Wilson beat you with his feet, or buy time to make the big play.

[AtlantaDan]

I would emphasize the run game, the play action pass, and try to turn the game into a low number of possessions/field position matters type grinder of a game.

More play action would be in accordance with what most of the league is doing, but Ben is simply not that into the play action pass.

Pittsburgh was last in the league with 11% play action passes as a % of dropbacks in 2017 (league average 22%) and last again in 2018 with 12% (league average 24% with only 5 teams <20%)

https://www.footballoutsiders.com/st...action-offense
https://www.footballoutsiders.com/st...n-offense-2018

[Craic]

About Moncrief, do you think his hand injury is something still affecting him? He gets the ball ripped away a little too easily, and if that doesn't change, I'm seeing more fumbles in his future. A hand injury I'd imagine would be something that affects both catching and ball security. In either case he needs to sit behind Washington based on merit alone.

No.
Maybe, but not that much. His stats the last three years puts him in the 50 plus percent range for catches. His best year was his rookie year at 65% and his second year was his second best at 51%. So, while I would, on average expect him to catch a couple more balls than last week, that's his ceiling.

[Steeler-in-west]

Use more nix and Conner in the backfield for short yardage.

send Moncrief deep to stretch the field. Use Conner as a dump off option on passing plays.

would consider bringing Rogers back and sending Holton to the PS. He’s probably better yac than switzer

[cubanstogie]

I know most want to run football, me included but dalton threw for over 400 yards. I only saw bits and pieces because I was mainly watching titans vs browns and watching jets rooting for Le’Veon to get jacked up. Running on Seattle with the sure tackling Wagner may not work, bungles couldn’t at all. If Vance is not a focal point and Washington isn’t targeted frequently I will be blown away. I say go back to Ben of last year and throw for 400 yards. Shake rust off and get receivers some experience and confidence, there going to need it later in year.

[Born2Steel]

Are you talking about RB screens to the flat or WR screens?

I think you are talking RB screen, so will address that. Opposing teams are going to try and run off the CB if in man or at least send a WR on a corner route so the CB has to cover that and then obviously slide the O line and Rb in the flat for the screen pass. Its up to the ILB on the RB side in either man or zone to read it and get out on the RB. The CB has to honor the WR pattern. Should be better with quicker ILB like Bush and Barron, but its also good if the linemen or rushing OLB recognize the passive pass blocking.

Also, if the defense runs more man on the WR and cover 2, then they can possibly commit another safety in the box and closer to LOS for screen. Honestly, zone is gonna prevent the bigger gain on screen passes, but its all about LB's that can recognize the screen and defeat the blocks of the O linemen before they happen. IMO, expecting a CB to sit and watch screens is a recipe for letting a WR run deep on a fake screen and go.

I’m talking about WR AND RB screens to the flat. Too many times over the past 3 seasons we have had CBs cover the screen while a WR or TE runs a seam or cross that has to be covered by the LB. I do not believe( or want to believe) this is schemed by the defense but a defensive alignment that offenses are taking advantage of. I expect to see this used against us again vs Seattle this weekend.

[steelreserve]

This may be an unpopular opinion, but defensively against Seattle, I'd go with a throwback to more of the old LeBeau-style aggressive zone blitz that doesn't work against teams like New England. Russell is not the same kind of passer as Brady who beats you with quick-release precision passes to pick apart a zone. I think you want pressure and containment, force him to beat you with his arm in a way that is not what he's comfortable with. That kind of defense also does a better job stopping the run than the passive sit-back, so that's a help too. It's not like we can cover anyone anyway if that's what we commit to; we've been trying to build the personnel for that for years, but we've still just got Haden and a bunch of bullshit.

Anyway, you do that on defense and hope your offense can get a couple quick scores to further box them into predictability. A team like Seattle you can beat that way.

I legitimately don't know how you fix the offense, except hope that 10 of your 11 guys can simply play better. Simple straight-ahead running plays (possibly with an extra TE or a FB) are easier if your offensive line doesn't have its shit together, which is a real concern. I like the idea of more play action, but if for whatever reason we just can't or won't do it, I guess it can't be helped.

[Born2Steel]

This may be an unpopular opinion, but defensively against Seattle, I'd go with a throwback to more of the old LeBeau-style aggressive zone blitz that doesn't work against teams like New England. Russell is not the same kind of passer as Brady who beats you with quick-release precision passes to pick apart a zone. I think you want pressure and containment, force him to beat you with his arm in a way that is not what he's comfortable with. That kind of defense also does a better job stopping the run than the passive sit-back, so that's a help too. It's not like we can cover anyone anyway if that's what we commit to; we've been trying to build the personnel for that for years, but we've still just got Haden and a bunch of bullshit.

Anyway, you do that on defense and hope your offense can get a couple quick scores to further box them into predictability. A team like Seattle you can beat that way.

I legitimately don't know how you fix the offense, except hope that 10 of your 11 guys can simply play better. Simple straight-ahead running plays (possibly with an extra TE or a FB) are easier if your offensive line doesn't have its shit together, which is a real concern. I like the idea of more play action, but if for whatever reason we just can't or won't do it, I guess it can't be helped.

I think that is a very popular opinion. Contain the run while bringing pressure to the QB. I believe this is exactly what this defense is built to do, but from a more base Nickel than from a base 3-4. My hope is the issue mostly falls into experience. As in NFL experience as well as playing together as a unit experience. If this is the case the defense should improve by leaps and bounds over the next 2-4 weeks.

Davis is in his 2nd season at FS. Edmunds is in his 2nd season period. Nelson new to the team/unit. Bush in his rookie season. Barron new to the team/unit. That's 5 guys the play in coverage schemes at least part-time and I think they just need time to gel as a team and at game speed. I'm optimistic this is the case and we will see improvement soon. If not...it's still a talented group for the next coaching staff to inherit.

[Mojouw]

I think that is a very popular opinion. Contain the run while bringing pressure to the QB. I believe this is exactly what this defense is built to do, but from a more base Nickel than from a base 3-4. My hope is the issue mostly falls into experience. As in NFL experience as well as playing together as a unit experience. If this is the case the defense should improve by leaps and bounds over the next 2-4 weeks.

Davis is in his 2nd season at FS. Edmunds is in his 2nd season period. Nelson new to the team/unit. Bush in his rookie season. Barron new to the team/unit. That's 5 guys the play in coverage schemes at least part-time and I think they just need time to gel as a team and at game speed. I'm optimistic this is the case and we will see improvement soon. If not...it's still a talented group for the next coaching staff to inherit.

I actually still have a high amount of confidence in the defense for the season. It is not like there are too many defenses carrying their teams to deep playoff runs. They just need to be top half or so and should go pretty well.

On offense however, I have zero confidence in any part of it. Scratch that, I do have confidence that Switzer will continue to catch 2 yard passes.

[Craic]

On offense let's get back to being tough and running the football. Moncrief out, Nix in. Use McDonald. Once the ground game gets going it opens up play action. Flex Samules out once the defense puts an extra linebacker in and make them cover him.

On defense, the pass rush MUST get there as the DB's can't cover. Guard against the deep ball. Hopefully Bush and Barron play better.

I'm not so concerned with running the ball vs. passing it. I'm concerned with finding something that works and stick to it. First thing I'd do is game plan for McDonald more. Sure, he was covered pretty good, but with that size at 6' 5", let him fight for a ball. Even it if it's on sideline patterns and slightly overthrow it so either he gets it or no one. Take advantage!

Second thing I'd do is go with the pony backfield rather than a single back. With our WR core, I'm not comfortable after JuJu and Switzer (but he's a slot or third receiver) and maybe Washington. So, go with the pony and after seeing the defense either split one out or keep them in. Honestly, we're not losing much keeping our RBs on the field rather than our 3rd, 4th, and 5th receivers.

On defense, I'm not sure. It was such a strange game last week and if you watched it close, the defense played well for a good part of the game. When your defense plays 43 plays in the first half alone, they're going to break down. This game could have easily been 48-3. But, the defense did well enough to force Brady in throwing bad throws 25% of the time according to PFR (of course, some of those could have just been Brady's mistakes, but he doesn't usually make those).

So, to be honest, I'd roll out the same defensive scheme. Let them get used to their assignments responsibilities. It's the offense that is concerning and that's where I'd spend most of my time this week.

[Craic]

BTW FOR EVERYONE SAYING PLAY NIX MORE . . .

He is most likely out for the game after a knee injury in the first game. https://steelerswire.usatoday.com/20...x-knee-injury/

My guess is he hurt it early on a special-teams play and that's why we never saw him in the game. That could also be why the game plan looked much flatter that I thought it'd be.