The Steelers don’t have the ability to run at will and to be successful – so Roethlisberger may have to sling it out there 35 times a game. In trying to “force the run” – they are allowing teams to hang on at the end of the game. This past weekend, they had the ball twice inside their own 10 yard line, and forced the run and the result was punting the ball from deep within their end – once in the fourth quarter with under 2 minutes left and once in overtime on their first possession. This team does not have the talent on the line to dictate their will on opposing defenses. This isn’t the 90’s where they had a shutdown defense, and amazing offensive line, and an incredible running back, and a crap-tastic QB. Those 90’s teams WERE able to run 15 straight to end a game even when the defense KNEW they were going to run – because they were that talented. This team has to mix it up to be successful. If that means in one game passing to setup the run and in another game running to setup the pass – then that is what they should be doing.

Here are some runs for the Steelers when they needed to run and Buffalo knew they were going to run: 4th quarter when they were inside their own 20 with 2 minutes or so left: 3, 5, pass for first down, 1, 2, holding, false start, 11 – punt – and subsequent game tying field goal. Overtime (first possession): 2, 4, sack – punt.

Aside from the first drive and the very last drive – when Buffalo KNEW the Steelers were running, they were unable to run with any consistency. This, against one of the worst run defenses in the NFL.

Secondly, Roethlisberger is holding the ball longer than expected because they (coaches) don’t understand what a slant route is. It’s rare, but at times the camera angle is shown from behind Roethlisberger (on a replay) – and you can watch the wide receivers going 10+ yards before they break. There is nothing else he can do except throw the ball away. The problem with Roethlisberger is; for every sack he takes – he get’s an 18 yard scamper for a first down. How do you muzzle that – and still want him to be able to garner that type of reward?

Finally, Harrison did earn that personal foul this weekend. The helmet was up under the chin and he was leading with his head. The rules have been that way for a few years now, with regards to leading with the head on the QB – so there really is no excuse. The players don’t need to lead with the head to make a statement tackle – I’ve watched quite a few rugby games and most hit with their shoulders – and they hit hard – without equipment and most do not end up injured.

In any event, I am getting frustrated with how the Steelers play against teams they should beat. I’m not sure if it is a reflection of Tomlin – who I think talks a big game or the players who are just taking it easy. There is zero room for error right now as the Raven’s are unlikely to loose to many more games that they can’t loose games they should win.

As I said, Harrison needs to just hug the QB and stand there. I don’t think anything else is acceptable. It’s a shame how badly they’re ruining football.

I’m hoping this game was just playing to the level of your competition. So by that theory, they’ll be in top form for the Ratbirds.