Steelers passing test

[mesaSteeler]

Steelers passing test
http://www.timesonline.com/sports/sp...sing-test.html
By: Mike Bires -
Beaver County Times

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Hines Ward (86) is chased by Chicago Bears cornerback Charles Tillman (33) in the first half of an NFL football game in Chicago, Sunday, Sept. 20, 2009. (AP Photo/M. Spencer Green)

PITTSBURGH — One day this season, the Steelers may yet achieve balance on offense. But after two games, they’re clearly a passing team.

The stats speak for themselves.

Of their 123 offensive plays, 78 have been passes. That’s 63.4 percent of the offense.

The Steelers are tied for seventh in the NFL in passing yards, but only 28th in rushing.

“Two weeks in is too early to tell or place a persona on anybody,” coach Mike Tomlin said. “Over time, it’ll become more obvious what we are.”

Then in his next breath Tomlin said, “You can’t truly be successful unless you have some form of balance. You can’t be a one-dimensional outfit. Ultimately, though, we’re interested in winning football games.”

Tomlin is right about trying to put labels on teams after just two weeks.

But it’s interesting to note that of the six top running teams in the league so far, two are undefeated (Baltimore and Minnesota) ... but two (Miami and Tennessee) are winless. Of the top six passing teams, three are unbeaten (Indianapolis, New Orleans and New York Giants) while only one has yet to win (Tampa Bay).
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“You have to keep with up with the trends, you have to keep up with the times, and that’s kind of evolving into a passing offense league-wide,” Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger said.

“It’s fun to be able to win it that way and the offensive line takes pride in that as well. Just as much as the running game — the wide receivers, myself, the O-line — we take pride in winning games when we can throw it, too.”

The Steelers were more balanced Sunday in Chicago than they were in the season opener against Tennessee. But they lost.

In a 13-10 overtime win against the Titans, the Steelers racked up 357 passing yards compared to only 36 rushing yards. In their 17-14 loss to the Bears, they threw 203 and ran for 105.

“I truly believe that teams that are capable of running and stopping the run are going to be consistent winners in this game,” Tomlin said. “That’s timeless.”

“We want to be a balanced team,” wide receiver Hines Ward said.

Time will tell if the Steelers achieve that balance at some point this season. But for now, the throws are far out-numbering the runs.

Wednesday September 23, 2009 12:10 AM

[HometownGal]

Though it would be great to have some form of balance again on this team, I think Coach T says it best . . . .

Ultimately, though, we’re interested in winning football games.”

AMEN.

[AllD]

He also said that every morning when he goes to work he walks past six Lombadi Trophies, not six rushing titles. He also said he would rather have zero yards rushing and get the win than lose with an improved running game.

Probably will turn out to be the second greatest coach in Steelers history.

[Dizzle43]

We definatley need to find an answer to our short yardage run game. In the game against the Bears in goaline we ran two play-action fakes. They both went for scores but we still need a solution to pound it out for 1-2 yards when necessary.

[Preacher]

Originally Posted by HometownGal

Though it would be great to have some form of balance again on this team, I think Coach T says it best . . . .



AMEN.

Exactly.

I think we focus too much on our like or dislike of pass or run. Fact is, the "W" is the only thing that matters. Pass, Run, or Defense.

[markymarc]

Just win Tomlin