To Run or not to Run

Whodis · 12-26-2010, 07:38 AM

We tend to hijack topics with this argument. I'm surprised to see fellow fans argue that they feel this team is built for the passing game and would like to see us throw and get away from what they perceive as a struggling ground game.

Make your points!

Why we need to run IMO

I think other then Moore, we have some really good backs (in spite of a failure to use a true FB)

Late in the season it just seems like the natural thing to do in the burgh

AFC North is a tough defensive division. A lopsided game plan seems to set up your QB for disaster.

TOP and controlling the clock

PhantomJB93 · 12-26-2010, 02:30 PM

we need to run more...but not arians's boneheaded way of running (IE swap the rb every other down and only run up the middle). We need to just leave Mendy in and let him do his thing, and call some more outside runs, off tackles, pitches, etc.

and NO MORE DRAWS, the draw works like once every 10 tries, not just for us its the most retarded run play for ANY team in the NFL to call, its a wasted play

Oh and we need to run out of the Iform more. IDC what Arians thinks of a FB, having that blocker does wonders for the run game that for some reason nobody on the Steelers seems to understand.

Rick5895 · 12-26-2010, 06:17 PM

ABSOLUTELY we need to run and give the ball to Redman when we rest Mendy, NOT Moore!!!

Merchant · 12-26-2010, 08:31 PM

We are ranked 11th in rushing. And only 1 yard/game separates us and 7th ranked Atlanta.
To put that into perspective, that's higher than teams like Baltimore, Cleveland, Carolina, Miami, who are perceived to be good running teams.

FanSince72 · 12-26-2010, 09:35 PM

I think running the ball is always a good idea but we are not built to be a "run first" offense right now. With a weakened and often inconsistent O-line, we're in no real position to present ourselves to other teams as a running offense.

But we DO have quite a few very capable receivers and I think that we need to use them as a way to SET UP a running game in more of a West Coast style. If we can sell a short to medium length passing game as a viable threat that has to be respected, it will take a great deal of pressure off the O-line. Running plays will be more successful if we go from passing formations because opponents will have to respect the "pass-first" option.

Green Bay does a nice job with this format and even though they present a decent running game, they're basically a West Coast style team overall.

I know that the Steeler purists will find a million reasons not to agree with this because to them, anything other than three yards and a cloud of dust just isn't "Steeler Football". But the reality is that we make a better passing team than a running team right now and to me, it's a lot easier to play to your strengths than it is to try to live up to some image when you don't have the personnel to make that happen.

In other words, why try to push a piece of spaghetti along the floor when you could just throw it across the room?

grward · 12-27-2010, 07:37 AM

I can't help but wonder what Mendy would be like if he played a full game. I remember the days of Bettis ... the dude would just keep getting stronger and stronger as the clock ticked. His best running came late in the game when defenses were worn down and Bettis was fired up. I just have a feeling that Mendy has that same style and would run stronger later in the game. Sure would be nice to put it to the test. I'm just sayin'.

steeltheone · 12-27-2010, 10:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by grward

I can't help but wonder what Mendy would be like if he played a full game. I remember the days of Bettis ... the dude would just keep getting stronger and stronger as the clock ticked. His best running came late in the game when defenses were worn down and Bettis was fired up. I just have a feeling that Mendy has that same style and would run stronger later in the game. Sure would be nice to put it to the test. I'm just sayin'.

I agree ....Mendy is not even broke in yet!

Curtain_of_Steel · 12-27-2010, 02:03 PM

Pass, Pass and maybe some more passing. After that works, pass some more.

Run second, Pass first. We started out that way against the Panthers and we had success. the def's need to play back on the heals to bltiz us less. We need to go no huddle, with some short passes to get them tired early and back off. Than when they back off, mix it up more with the run.

Green Bay has zero running game this year with grant out, Jackson couldn't run to the store fo a loaf of bread without trippng.

Steeler football is winning comes first, not the run no more. If you try to run agaisnt the Pats and should they shut you down, you could be down 14-0 in the first Q. You need to go with what works, not go with something because that is what we are about.

Whodis · 12-27-2010, 02:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Curtain_of_Steel

Pass, Pass and maybe some more passing. After that works, pass some more.

Run second, Pass first. We started out that way against the Panthers and we had success. the def's need to play back on the heals to bltiz us less. We need to go no huddle, with some short passes to get them tired early and back off. Than when they back off, mix it up more with the run.

Green Bay has zero running game this year with grant out, Jackson couldn't run to the store fo a loaf of bread without trippng.

Steeler football is winning comes first, not the run no more. If you try to run agaisnt the Pats and should they shut you down, you could be down 14-0 in the first Q. You need to go with what works, not go with something because that is what we are about.

The Panthers placed 8 in the box, 1st quarter we ran Mendenhall 4 times (one for 34 yards?)

Great philosophy against the Panthers.

Against the Jets we went with your "winning football"

Mendenhall 5.9 yds a carry went absent to make way for 3 and out passing football leading to a tying td by Sanchez.

I tried to find the article written last year. Polamalu is quoted criticizing the pass happy offense. His point was the defense isn't designed to be on the field for long periods of time. The wide open offense we were and try to run is all or nothing. Either way our defense was spending too much time on the field. The article was a great read.

thebus36idf · 12-27-2010, 02:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PhantomJB93

we need to run more...but not arians's boneheaded way of running (IE swap the rb every other down and only run up the middle). We need to just leave Mendy in and let him do his thing, and call some more outside runs, off tackles, pitches, etc.

and NO MORE DRAWS, the draw works like once every 10 tries, not just for us its the most retarded run play for ANY team in the NFL to call, its a wasted play

Oh and we need to run out of the Iform more. IDC what Arians thinks of a FB, having that blocker does wonders for the run game that for some reason nobody on the Steelers seems to understand.

or hopefully we get through the next game with our predictable playcallin, and in the playoffs throw the bait, and switch!! Could Arian's be plotting this all along???? Probably not, but again I'll go back to our last superbowl. Seems like the same senario, same situation. Looking just mediocre in the season, and awesome in the playoffs as players get healthy. DE JA VU

12-26-2010, 07:38 AM	#1
Whodis Team Captain Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Sunnyvale Trailer Park Posts: 738 Gender: Male Member Number: 6483 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	To Run or not to Run We tend to hijack topics with this argument. I'm surprised to see fellow fans argue that they feel this team is built for the passing game and would like to see us throw and get away from what they perceive as a struggling ground game. Make your points! Why we need to run IMO I think other then Moore, we have some really good backs (in spite of a failure to use a true FB) Late in the season it just seems like the natural thing to do in the burgh AFC North is a tough defensive division. A lopsided game plan seems to set up your QB for disaster. TOP and controlling the clock __________________

12-26-2010, 02:30 PM	#2
PhantomJB93 Assistant Coach Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Blacksburg, VA Posts: 1,401 Gender: Male Member Number: 13907 Thanks: 24 Thanked 99 Times in 67 Posts	Re: To Run or not to Run we need to run more...but not arians's boneheaded way of running (IE swap the rb every other down and only run up the middle). We need to just leave Mendy in and let him do his thing, and call some more outside runs, off tackles, pitches, etc. and NO MORE DRAWS, the draw works like once every 10 tries, not just for us its the most retarded run play for ANY team in the NFL to call, its a wasted play Oh and we need to run out of the Iform more. IDC what Arians thinks of a FB, having that blocker does wonders for the run game that for some reason nobody on the Steelers seems to understand.

12-26-2010, 06:17 PM	#3
Rick5895 Team President Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: St.Thomas, ontario , canada Posts: 2,133 Gender: Male Member Number: 5148 Thanks: 19 Thanked 25 Times in 19 Posts	Re: To Run or not to Run ABSOLUTELY we need to run and give the ball to Redman when we rest Mendy, NOT Moore!!!

12-26-2010, 08:31 PM	#4
Merchant Team Captain Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Toronto Posts: 859 Gender: Male Member Number: 15019 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: To Run or not to Run We are ranked 11th in rushing. And only 1 yard/game separates us and 7th ranked Atlanta. To put that into perspective, that's higher than teams like Baltimore, Cleveland, Carolina, Miami, who are perceived to be good running teams. __________________

12-26-2010, 09:35 PM	#5
FanSince72 Assistant Coach Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: New York Posts: 1,398 Member Number: 17502 Thanks: 31 Thanked 68 Times in 47 Posts	Re: To Run or not to Run I think running the ball is always a good idea but we are not built to be a "run first" offense right now. With a weakened and often inconsistent O-line, we're in no real position to present ourselves to other teams as a running offense. But we DO have quite a few very capable receivers and I think that we need to use them as a way to SET UP a running game in more of a West Coast style. If we can sell a short to medium length passing game as a viable threat that has to be respected, it will take a great deal of pressure off the O-line. Running plays will be more successful if we go from passing formations because opponents will have to respect the "pass-first" option. Green Bay does a nice job with this format and even though they present a decent running game, they're basically a West Coast style team overall. I know that the Steeler purists will find a million reasons not to agree with this because to them, anything other than three yards and a cloud of dust just isn't "Steeler Football". But the reality is that we make a better passing team than a running team right now and to me, it's a lot easier to play to your strengths than it is to try to live up to some image when you don't have the personnel to make that happen. In other words, why try to push a piece of spaghetti along the floor when you could just throw it across the room?

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12-27-2010, 07:37 AM	#6
grward Bench Warmer Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 307 Member Number: 7527 Thanks: 2 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	Re: To Run or not to Run I can't help but wonder what Mendy would be like if he played a full game. I remember the days of Bettis ... the dude would just keep getting stronger and stronger as the clock ticked. His best running came late in the game when defenses were worn down and Bettis was fired up. I just have a feeling that Mendy has that same style and would run stronger later in the game. Sure would be nice to put it to the test. I'm just sayin'.

12-27-2010, 02:03 PM	#8
Curtain_of_Steel Head Coach Join Date: Jan 2009 Posts: 1,527 Member Number: 11678 Thanks: 0 Thanked 13 Times in 9 Posts	Re: To Run or not to Run Pass, Pass and maybe some more passing. After that works, pass some more. Run second, Pass first. We started out that way against the Panthers and we had success. the def's need to play back on the heals to bltiz us less. We need to go no huddle, with some short passes to get them tired early and back off. Than when they back off, mix it up more with the run. Green Bay has zero running game this year with grant out, Jackson couldn't run to the store fo a loaf of bread without trippng. Steeler football is winning comes first, not the run no more. If you try to run agaisnt the Pats and should they shut you down, you could be down 14-0 in the first Q. You need to go with what works, not go with something because that is what we are about.

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