The good news , and the bad news...

[HometownGal]

Originally Posted by RoethlisBURGHer

When Cowher was here and he would go run-run-pass-punt, people bitched that we needed to throw the ball a but more.

Now that the offense is more tooled to be more even and sometimes pass-heavy, people bitch.

Are you surprised Roeth? Typical new age Steelers fan - damned if you do, damned if you don't.

[steelax04]

All of these different definitions of "Steeler football" drive me crazy... to me, Steelers football is wining Lombardi Trophies. Whether it's defense, offense, run, smash them in the teeth, pass for 500 yards, etc, etc... the trophy is all that matters.

[pepsyman1]

Originally Posted by Hammer67

Does it happen? Sure, but it isn't the focal point of most offenses anymore. The Steelers have a pro bowl (and future HoF in my opinion) QB...you have to cater to his talents. I believe in balance and I think the Steelers do have that, at least given the talent deficit at OL. Ben will win you games.

The biggest problem this year is the lack of a pass rush and the horrendous play of the secondary as a result. We miss Aaron Smith and Troy much more then anything else. Otherwise, they are playing well. If the defense was it's normal self, we wouldn't even be talking about the O as they are putting enough points up to normally win, only to have the D give up long drives for TD's in the 4th quarter. We are also controlling time of possession. It's long been a myth to Steeler fans that running the ball is the only way to win.

I'm with you Hammer, but the reality is that in the last 15 years, there have only been 2 Superbowl winners that have had a running game ranked 20th or higher...Steelers last year and Tampa Bay. Currently we are sitting at 19. Most Superbowl winners have had running games at least in the top third of the league. We need to do better.

[markymarc]

Originally Posted by HometownGal

Typical new age Steelers fan - damned if you do, damned if you don't.

Actually HG couldn't you use that statement for any NFL team's fan?

[solardave]

Originally Posted by Hammer67

In today's NFL, yes. This ain't the 70's anymore....hell, it ain't the 90's!

Unfortunately, the Steelers would need to completely retool the line, find a Hall of Fame worthy, battering ram of a running back and rewind the clock on NFL defenses.

The Steelers have adapted with the times, and won a Super Bowl through the air. As do other teams these days.

Nuff said...these aren't your daddy's Steelers. So, some of Steeler Nation will have to get over it.

Over the years the league has passed several rules to produce more offense.5 yard rule (AKA Mel Blount rule) Tuck rule (AKA Marcia Brady Rule) they hurt my feelings rule(AKA Marcia Brady rule) It's worked and the Steelers have adapted. Sure I miss the POUND THE ROCK days as Gruden puts it, but I must admit I love watching Ben air it out too. It's a sign of the times. Like Lambert said, "put dresses on them". I'm just glad we don't have a Vagina for a QB!!!!

[rick723]

Originally Posted by Preacher

Yes you are.

Go back and look at SB records. Running teams over the last 15 years simply do not win SB's. There has been 1 that has won.

SO why go back to a style of ball that is basically 1-14 in the SB???

Because we are the one?

[Hammer67]

Originally Posted by pepsyman1

I'm with you Hammer, but the reality is that in the last 15 years, there have only been 2 Superbowl winners that have had a running game ranked 20th or higher...Steelers last year and Tampa Bay. Currently we are sitting at 19. Most Superbowl winners have had running games at least in the top third of the league. We need to do better.

Well, you have to take that in context. The past 15 years have seen a drastic change in offenses so comparing last year to 1995 is not quite apples to apples, either. The NFL has changed during that time.

At the end of the day, you have to score more points then the other team, not out-rush them. Controlling the clock is fine too, whether you do it via a passing game or running game, as it keeps the other team's Offense off the field. Our offense is doing that...our defense sucks. Arians is not losing us games, the secondary and Special Teams are.