Three biggest things we need to do

[Quackjack]

1. Ben and Haley need to work better

Let's be real guys, the Steelers organization doesn't fire coaches after 1 year. The new offense ushered in by Haley this year didn't click, partly his fault and partly Ben's. Big Ben obviously had some problems with the O, and he didn't make good decisions, ala the Cowboys/Bengals part 2 games. They need to work together better or expect another 20 range offense.

2. Establish the running game

If it was up to me, i'd boot Bendthenfall and start a rookie. Thing is, we should all know by now we don't have a franchise RB on the roster right now, and we need to get one from the draft preferably.

3. Handle our FA's well

Our free agency list is HUGE. With big names like Harrison, Wallace and Hampton on it, we have to see which old guys who can still play that we can keep with pay cuts, and see if we need to move on from Wallace.

[Dino 6 Rings]

Beat Cleveland Twice. Beat Cincy Twice, Split with the Ravens if not beat them twice. Then beat all the teams we are supposed to beat that end up finishing the season under .500

[NoFieldFive]

5. - Tomlin needs to run the team - manage his players and coaches, do what he gets paid to do.

6. - Tomlin needs to run the game calls better. stop going for 55 yard field goals you aren't going to make and give the ball up at the 45 yard line. Stop taking sacks on third down when you are in field goal range and then are out of field range and either punt or go for a field goal you should never try

[mikegrimey]

When have we gone for a 55 yard field goal, did I miss that?

Also, Tomlin can certainly take some blame for how the players perform, but he can't "take sacks on third down" whether we are in field goal range or not

[SteelersCanada]

1. Draft an OLB, WR, S, ILB

In that order. If Giovani Bernard is sitting on the board in the second round, we'll take him instead of a wide receiver.

2. Reestablish an Identity

No more Running Back committee. No more dumpoffs and checkdowns when we have a franchise quarterback that has a cannon of an arm and elite tangibles. Reestablish our defense as one that teams don't want to fuck with and mold our offense around #7.

3. Infusion of Youth

Casey, James, Troy, and Brett - it was nice having you on this team. All of Steeler Nation appreciates what you've done for this team over the last decade, but it's time to head off for greener pastures. We express our gratitude and can't thank you all enough, but we have young guys sitting in the wings (or in the draft) and it's time for you guys to sit at home, in the comfort of your own couches, and watch the Steelers win. As hard as it will be to say goodbye, it's time.

[NoFieldFive]

Originally Posted by mikegrimey

When have we gone for a 55 yard field goal, did I miss that?

Also, Tomlin can certainly take some blame for how the players perform, but he can't "take sacks on third down" whether we are in field goal range or not

sure Tomlin can take the blame. it's discipline of the team. you call the right play to begin with and you tell your QB 'get rid of the ball no matter what you do. NO sack!"

Brady makes a bad throw and Billechek is in his face letting him know about it. with Tomlin it's a pat on the ass

[SteelersCanada]

Originally Posted by NoFieldFive

sure Tomlin can take the blame. it's discipline of the team. you call the right play to begin with and you tell your QB 'get rid of the ball no matter what you do. NO sack!"

Brady makes a bad throw and Billechek is in his face letting him know about it. with Tomlin it's a pat on the ass

Roethlisberger has made his career so far about holding on to the ball, dancing for 6 seconds, finding a hole outside the pocket and picking up 15 yards on 3rd-and-8+. I'm not going to ask him to change, and I'm not going to pin the blame on Tomlin for Ben's style of play.

If anything, taking a sack there is on Ben and Todd for a) the playcall and b) the schoolyard style of football Ben plays.

[tanda10506]

1. Play with discipline and heart (instill it in them Tomlin!!!!!)
2. Draft some players on defense that can fill some BIG shoes within a year or so and make somewhat of an impact immediately.
3. Figure out wtf is holding back the offense, since 2 OC's and a HC have yet to do so.

[lloydwoodson]

1. Keep Wallace and Mendenhall. The FO needs to stop shipping off Ben's favourite receiver. Plaxico Burress provides big target for Ben in rookie season >>> gone. Santonio Holmes and Ben develop excellent chemistry>>> gone. Wallace has been Ben's favourite receiver for 2 years >>> gone?

Santonio's salary with Jets 5Yr/45M
Antonio's salary with Steelers 5Yr/42M

Almost the identical player for a very similar contract. It seems every time Ben gets a rapport with his receivers they are off the team.

I don't know if they can afford Wallace when they gave the #2 WR #1 money. Brown improved a lot this year though he is going to be even better next year in spite of his mistakes.

1b. Replace Harrison. Need a better pass rush. Harrison was one of the best ever and he is an absolute warrior to fight through his knee and back problems but his best days are behind him. I would hate to see him in a Panthers uniform like Greg Lloyd so I hope he can work something out to retire a Steeler.

Clark and Polamalu have another year in them at least. Troy won't make as many plays as we are used to but he will still be better than 80% of NFL safeties... just human. It would be nice if he was coaching up his protege next year.

2. Tomlin needs to be more aggressive. The comment about 50+ yard field goals is dead on. I know that Suisham is only reliable from 45 in so I don't know why Tomlin does not. Letting Suisham kick that 53 yarder is almost like putting the blame onto someone else or refusing to make a hard decision.

I do agree that Tomlin is holding back the offense. It is not a coincidence that a defensive coach replaced Cowher. The Steelers are a defensive team first but now that so much has been invested in the offense in terms of high picks it needs to produce. Tomlin needs to allow Haley to be more aggressive.

3. Ben has to realize that Haley is not the enemy. It was not Haley's decision to fire Arians. I don't know why Roethlisberger likes Arians so much anyways. Arians routinely called absurd plays like empty backfields on 2nd down - a pass rusher's wet dream - and the ridiculous QB draw from the shotgun on 3rd and 4 in SB XLIII. Or how about the QB sneak when Ben had just come back from a concussion.

Haley is a smart and aggressive coach. Ben doesn't like his dink and dunk offense? Well tough shit. That is what you do when the OL is struggling to run block. Until the 2nd and 3rd year linemen gel there is going to need to be a lot of swing passes to RBs and screens. Ben is going to be throwing 30+ a game just more of those plays will be designated for RBs. There are going to be a lot of big plays in the gameplan as well. It is not the end of the world and if anything Ben is going to have more responsibility in the new offense... provided Tomlin can restrain himself and keep his fingerprints off it with his "play to not lose" philosophy.

[nj1923steelgirl]

Originally Posted by tanda10506

1. Play with discipline and heart (instill it in them Tomlin!!!!!)
2. Draft some players on defense that can fill some BIG shoes within a year or so and make somewhat of an impact immediately.
3. Figure out wtf is holding back the offense, since 2 OC's and a HC have yet to do so.

YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!