Mike Tomlin admits Steelers running game is ‘below the line’

[katmandu]

Anyone have Ramone's # handy ? While you're looking for it, find The Bus's # as well !

[Born2Steel]

Is the run game struggling because Ben throws 50 times per game or does Ben throw 50 times per game because of the struggles of the run game? Maybe a little column A, a little column B? Against the Ravens JuJu and Claypool were matched up against Humphries or Peters every play. As depleted as the Ravens' defense was their secondary was still a strength. And Ben threw 51 times against that secondary. There were only 19 rush attempts against the ravens' heavily depleted DL. 19 rushes for 69 yards, JuJu and Claypool had 14 receptions for 89 yards. It's not the numbers that mean the most but the situational play calling obviously. I just think this offense has struggled mostly due to it is predictable. Still 28.8 points per game is pretty exceptional.

This is an interesting stat, IMO. The Steelers rank 5th in number of pass attempts in the league and 19th in rush attempts. But in yards gained those rankings are 16th passing and 25th rushing. This offense ranks 6th in points scored but 22nd in yards gained.

[Six Rings]

My new take is that Pouncey is basically cooked. I know the team can't do anything about him because the still totally great franchise QB is his best buddy...but I do not think Pouncey plays to his salary anymore. But again, I often over-react to things I think I see on TV when it comes to offensive line.

Honestly, the 2021 line might be better with the injection of Dotson and Banner (hopefully?) to the lineup. They both seem to bring some nasty to the table.

Pouncey was cooked last year. He seldom pulls the way he used to is often over power at the point of attack. He gets by on smarts and technique. When he has been hurt in the past, a guy nobody has heard of replaced him and did just fine.

If the Steelers really want to juice up there running game they would sit Chucks at Right Tackle as he get hardly any push in the ground game, move Feiler to Right Tackle, and insert Dotson at Guard where Feiler was.

[pczach]

Pouncey was cooked last year. He seldom pulls the way he used to is often over power at the point of attack. He gets by on smarts and technique. When he has been hurt in the past, a guy nobody has heard of replaced him and did just fine.

If the Steelers really want to juice up there running game they would sit Chucks at Right Tackle as he get hardly any push in the ground game, move Feiler to Right Tackle, and insert Dotson at Guard where Feiler was.

The problem is that Feiler hasn't held up in pass protection at RT when called upon. You can't just run block at the tackle position or your quarterback won't last long. IMO, Feiler isn't a quality tackle. He's a guard. Maybe he can get better, but I just don't think he has the athleticism and feet to consistently stop good pass rushers.

You are correct about Pouncey. He isn't the same player he was, and certainly doesn't have much left in the tank. He has been declining for a few years. He also struggles with bad snaps as well. They need an upgrade at center as Pouncey is about done.

[Born2Steel]

Part of the OL problem can be simply aging, yes. I think it has more to do with experience and time playing together. Example, in the Ravens game I watched a Raven's rusher come straight up the middle while Feiler and Hassenauer looked at each other, expecting the other one to take him or something. The result was an off target throw and Ben took a big hit. That was a missed assignment and just not smart football. Our zone blocking scheme depends on players knowing their assignment and playing smart football. I think Conner has improved as a runner and had he been playing our run game would have been better overall. But up front only AV and Feiler are where they started the season. Hassenauer in for Pouncey, DeCastro started on the IR and may very possibly be nursing a serious injury still, Chuks started as the swing tackle/backup. Dotson has looked good when in there but, rookie. AND what happened with Wiz? HE was supposed to be the veteran depth.

Excuses? Maybe. I have been saying over a couple drafts now we need to address OL early. I think Dotson was a great pick from what he has shown so far. I don't think Hassenauer is going to be the next great Steeler's Center and this position needs to be addressed soon. I haven't seen enough to be fully sold on Banner but I do not believe Chuks is a long-term starting OT but more likely quality depth. So, I do agree OL talent needs to be brought in and upgraded, but the importance of time playing together cannot be over-stressed either. Young OLs struggle, patchwork OLs struggle.

[Mojouw]

Dotson for Feiler and an upgrade at C would greatly improve things in my opinion. I also think a healthy Banner would've been a monster to run behind. Imagine Feiler or Dotson pulling to Banner's side with Watt and McDonald leading Conner behind a mountain of a RT?

I really think the best 2021 line is Chuks/Dotson/Draft Pick/DeCastro/Banner with Hawkins and Gray battling it out to be the swing tackle.

[teegre]

Part of the OL problem can be simply aging, yes. I think it has more to do with experience and time playing together. Example, in the Ravens game I watched a Raven's rusher come straight up the middle while Feiler and Hassenauer looked at each other, expecting the other one to take him or something. The result was an off target throw and Ben took a big hit. That was a missed assignment and just not smart football. Our zone blocking scheme depends on players knowing their assignment and playing smart football.

Yep

I mentioned this in the game ball thread... that after that hit, Ben seemed to be a bit rattled and started ignoring the middle of the field/started looking outside as quick as possible (which might explain why he missed seeing a wide open Derek Watt a few plays later).

[tube517]

Dotson for Feiler and an upgrade at C would greatly improve things in my opinion. I also think a healthy Banner would've been a monster to run behind. Imagine Feiler or Dotson pulling to Banner's side with Watt and McDonald leading Conner behind a mountain of a RT?

I really think the best 2021 line is Chuks/Dotson/Draft Pick/DeCastro/Banner with Hawkins and Gray battling it out to be the swing tackle.

When Chukks went out, they put Feiler at RT and put Dotson at LG. I don't know how long because Chukks came back in later. But, at least they were ready to put Dotson in, when possible.

[86WARD]

When Chukks went out, they put Feiler at RT and put Dotson at LG. I don't know how long because Chukks came back in later. But, at least they were ready to put Dotson in, when possible.

I think it was only one play before Chukks returned.

[hawaiiansteeler]

Wolfley: One move that could mean so much to Steelers' run game

https://247sports.com/nfl/pittsburgh...ner-156467398/

[teegre]

Wolfley: One move that could mean so much to Steelers' run game

https://247sports.com/nfl/pittsburgh...ner-156467398/

I was discussing this with a friend this morning.

Get Dotson on the field!!!

Feiler may not be as good at RT as he is at LG, but Feiler appears to (currently) be a better RT than Okorafor. Plus, IMO, Dotson is possible our best O-lineman (because, DeCastro appears to be playing injured).

AV - Dotson - Pouncey - DeCastro - Feiler

[Six Rings]

The problem is that Feiler hasn't held up in pass protection at RT when called upon. You can't just run block at the tackle position or your quarterback won't last long. IMO, Feiler isn't a quality tackle. He's a guard. Maybe he can get better, but I just don't think he has the athleticism and feet to consistently stop good pass rushers.

You are correct about Pouncey. He isn't the same player he was, and certainly doesn't have much left in the tank. He has been declining for a few years. He also struggles with bad snaps as well. They need an upgrade at center as Pouncey is about done.

I think Filer can hold up / pass block for these 2-3 second passes we are throwing this season.

- - - Updated - - -

I was discussing this with a friend this morning.

Get Dotson on the field!!!

Feiler may not be as good at RT as he is at LG, but Feiler appears to (currently) be a better RT than Okorafor. Plus, IMO, Dotson is possible our best O-lineman (because, DeCastro appears to be playing injured).

AV - Dotson - Pouncey - DeCastro - Feiler

I agree with this. Next year is the OL must be addresses. Big Al and Feiler are both free agents. Pouncey is in decline and expensive on the cap. Two of our first 4 draft picks should go to the OL.

DeCastro doens't have the leg drive he used to. Not sure why, could be a lower back injury.

[El-Gonzo Jackson]

I agree with this. Next year is the OL must be addresses. Big Al and Feiler are both free agents. Pouncey is in decline and expensive on the cap. Two of our first 4 draft picks should go to the OL.

DeCastro doens't have the leg drive he used to. Not sure why, could be a lower back injury.

Something tells me that they work out something like a 3 year deal with AV, but if they dont, then I think the plan is something like this from Left to Rt.

Okorafor, Dotson, Pouncey, DeCastro, Banner. With a draft pick at C/G and maybe one at OT. I think Derwin Gray can become the reserve OT and it depends what Jarron Jones develops like in another year at OT. I believe that Okorafor and Dotson are core young guys on the line going forward.