Steelers offense primed for an outburst.

[zulater]

Now that Ben Roethlisberger has returned, the Steelers will take on a new look and maybe even an improvement over the record-breaking offense he directed last season.

That offense Roethlisberger will lead onto the field Oct. 17 has already taken on a different appearance and philosophy since he last played in a real game Jan. 3 in Miami to close out the 2009 season.

The starting line has changed by 60 percent, he has new receivers, and they have found something they nearly abandoned in 2009, a running game. The Steelers are tied for seventh in the NFL with an average of 133.5 yards rushing per game. They ranked 19th last season with an average of 112.1 yards per game.

Roethlisberger's return should aid the one area in which the offense has lagged, passing.

"We definitely can open up our playbook and run a lot of different things," Hines Ward said. "I can't wait to see him on the field competing."
Read more: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/10280...#ixzz11fi9H49o

[steelax04]

Without Ben back there, other teams could key on the run, and the Steelers were still successful. Just wait until they have to respect the passing game as well. Could be some HUGE games coming up for Mendy.

[ETL]

All this hinges on how long Ben holds the ball. If he thinks he's going to create instant magic and hold the ball too long, we will be in trouble.

I say continue relying on the run and star with quick safe passes to begin with. It maybe boring but he will need it to get his timing down.

[Pittsburgh43]

You have to stick with the running game. Rashard has been a beast these first 4 games. And that's without a QB who could open up the running game. I also have faith in what Ben said, it was something along the lines of he's not going to try to make everything up in one game. I look for him to come in and be deadly accurate with short and mid-range passes. I have no worries with him coming in and being inaccurate or anything, he's a vet, and a damn good one. These 2 weeks will be plenty of time for him to get his legs under him and get in sync with his receivers.

I would like to see a bomb to Wallace on the very 1st play. A touchdown would clearly spell out the phrase "I'm back!"

Is it the 17th yet?!?!

[zulater]

I just hope Arains doesn't forget Redman.

[tony hipchest]

last year we were pass heavy. this year we are run heavy.

we will finally achieve true balance (anywhere in the 48-52% run range) and be better off for it.

i cant wait. i have faith arians will use this opportunity to shine and we will field an offense, that can morph into anything we need to attack an opponents weakness.

no more trying to jam a "mad scientist" philosophy down an opponents throat.

[pancake]

Play action to Wallace!

[SoCalFan]

The O line will be key.If they can continue to protect,which I think they have done a good job so far,Ben should be outstanding.I know the O line can open holes for Mendy & Redman.Im hoping Bruce A. has bigger plans for Heath Miller,everyone keeps mentioning Wallace,but Miller has Gates potential.WOW its 4am,im drunk,goodnight.................