The lack of football knowledge on this board is astounding. Pats fans have a reputation for this and this thread sadly proves it. I read this board along with a few other opposing team's but rarely post. Some of the assine comments here promped me to do so.
Have you guys watched any Steeler games this year? The offense has some glaring problems and not all Big Ben. First and foremost is the offensive line play, notably the tackles. They get beat by speed rushers all day long. Teams have figured this out and are exploiting it.
Secondly, is the coaching. No adjustments are made ingame which is a Cowher trademark. Speaking of today's game... No max protect, few draw plays and screens. Just stick to the same gameplan that wasn't working and never would. Cowherball 2006! This abomination would not have been visited on the Patriots with their coaching. However, Wisenhunt did figure out to try quick slants though... Late in the 3rd quarter with the game out of reach!
Third is the loss of the power running game. Ball control was very important to the Steelers scheme in the past. Keeping the Defense off the field and fresh won quite a few games. The loss of Bettis took this away and the coaching has not adjusted. Everyone is saying that the Steelers lost key players but they only lost one. Randel El, Chris Hope, and Kemo Von Olhoffen made no difference in relation to the loss of Jerome Bettis.
That being said Ben was in a hole from the start this season. Although he hasn't exactly played steller at times this year the Steeler's problems cannot be laid squarely on his shoulders. Put Tom Brady behind the Steeler line today with ******ed, inflexable coaching and it would be basically the same outcome. Ben had at most 2-3 seconds most of the day.
Am I saying that Ben and TB are equal? No they are not. Brady is a better quarterback and every Steeler fan I know admits this. However, Ben is not terrible either.
Just my 0.02
