• Please be aware we've switched the forums to their own URL. (again) You'll find the new website address to be www.steelernationforum.com Thanks
  • Please clear your private messages. Your inbox is close to being full.

Keys to winning the Broncos game (without Antonio Brown)

Stryker

Stryker

Podcast/ VidCast/ Writer
Contributor
Joined
Apr 9, 2014
Messages
16,586
Reaction score
20,450
Points
113
Location
Section 228
Not having AB is a huge hit to the efficiency and potency of this offense. Brown was the catalyst to moving the football, the go to guy on 3rd downs, and the best threat to gain yardage after the catch. Losing the Offensive Player of the Year (according to PFF), will be the most difficult part of the offense to replace. That being said, the steelers can still win on Sunday, but this is what they need to win:

1) Defense, Defense, Defense: Our defense has been poor against the pass all season, but there were stretches when the D stepped up when Ben was hurt. They also put on a dominating performance last week that should have earned them the win outright. If the D can come up with big plays, and get the Broncos off the field on 3rd downs, then the Steelers will be in the game.

2) Big Ben: We don't need him to single handedly carry the team on his injured shoulder to win this game. We can go to a quicker read and release with TE/RB help to keep the ball moving. The biggest factor will be if Ben can play. If Ben plays, the steelers can win. I'm not as confident if we have to place Jones/Vick/Murphy on the field.

3) TnT: TnT exploded on the scene against the Bengals. Now they face a bigger test against a better Broncos defense. Not only do they have to produce against a more talented front 7, but their ability to grind out clock and maintain possession will be key in slowing this game down. They don't necessarily have to have 100 yards on the ground to be successful. Their help in pass protection, and making plays on receptions will also be big keys to winning this game.

4) Denver QBs: Here's an interesting thing few people are talking about. Osweiler is injured and may not play. If he doesn't play, that leaves a very unproven backup behind Manning. Should something happen to Manning, this game could be the offensive equivalent to the Steelers/Miami game where a punt stuck in the ground without bouncing. If Manning goes down, it's anyone's game. Another QB point: Manning is terrible in games when the playing conditions are below freezing. Good news for him that he high on Sunday will be 42. Bad news is it will be below freezing by the end of the 2nd Qtr. If this game is close early, the second half may freeze out the chances of the old man advancing.
 
Agreed with Coolie.. take shots to MB early, and also get the short-intermediate game going early. They are expecting us to rely more on running, but we can "run" the ball without "running" at the teeth of their defense, which was mostly unsuccessful last time out
 
Offensively, they quite naturally take a hit with Brown's absence, but I think Touissaint and Todman will be the surprise this week, much like they were last week. I had a feeling they wouldn't be outright horrible like Tate was for the Steelers last year against the Ravens, and they made plays that helped lift the team to the win.
They can't shy from the shots down the field, but really, they'll need to lean heavily on the run game and on passes to Heath and Jesse.

Defensive side - pressure Manning, stop the run and keep them to short passes. Good tackling would be nice.
 
With a good offensive plan that includes our TEs in the short passing game along with TnT providing a solid run attack, we should be able to get Byant, DHB, and Sammy deep to take the top off.

D plays like it's facing the Bungles and not the Ravens and we could win this.

Here we go!
 
I have to expect that Haley is going to go to a quick drop and pass game plan. I don't expect either Ben or Jones to throw the ball more than ten yards on Sunday. I feel we are going to have to rely on the defense to win this game and hope the offense makes enough plays to put some points on the board. If TnT can get consistent yards and help move the chains that will be huge. I think Shazier needs to play out of his mind again like he did against the Bengals. I think Butler needs to bring the heat again and again. I know Manning will still be able to audible and make his passes but I feel if we knock him around enough he will start making some errant passes and that's when we can capitalize.

Bottom line we have a lot of injuries and if Tomlin wants to show me he's not just hype but substance I want to see a game plan in place that gives us the opportunity to win. If he wants to make a statement as an elite NFL coach. Win the game.
 
I believe we can win as well.

ALL (ALL!) the talk this week has been about how troubled we are being banged up. Let's not forget, Manning looked terrible when he played this year, we already beat them (Albeit with Brown having a great day and Broncos not having a healthy D), Denver lost to Oakland at home, could/should have lost to Cincy at home on Monday night, squeaked one out last week of season, vs. SD. Where's the concern on their side? If our D plays like they played in second half vs. them (or last week), creates some turnovers, we can win.

It's not the David vs. Goliath that is being portrayed.
 
No matter who the QB is we won't be able to line up and run the ball in a traditional run formation, we need to try and spread them out and run from that formation if possible. Its tough because they play 1 safety high and then pretty much 8 in the box.
 
Would love to see a big play or two from Jesse James as well
 
This version of Manning tends to have issues when he's on the move (under pressure) and trying to force the throws. We've got to make him uncomfortable and keep those windows small.
 
I think heath and spaeth or James will be a big thing. Running the ball and short passing game forcing their linebackers off the LOS.

on second thought.

This may not be the case. Steelers are more likely to keep current offense and plug in another receiver ,, than to change the whole scheme of things.
 
I'm with Coolie and Aggie here. Go deep to Bryant in hopes of them being fearful of the deep threat which should open up some running lanes for TNT. Hopefully Ben can manage some deep balls in this game. Yes, put Manning on his *** a few times but this could be difficult since he probably will be dumping the ball quickly.
 
Last edited:
Have Bryant lace all of Colorado's weed with PCP. That way most of the Bronco D shows up shirtless at the local police station.
 
I'm curious why so many in this thread are calling for deep passes to MB? I get the concept, but seems like we're forgetting Ben's shoulder will likely keep him from heaving the ball down the field like he usually does.
 
I just posted this in another thread. Of course, the D needs to play well. On O, Wheaton and Bryant need to step up huge. Heath is Heath. TNT needs to run as well as they did last week. And, DHB and Coates need to contribute with multiple catches. We also can't have the dropsies. No drops - even on defense. They will be magnified even more in this game.

What we can really hope is that Denver is no going to slack off a bit and overlook the Steelers O now that AB is out. Any kind of let down from their D and Ben should be able to exploit it.
 
We will NOT win this game running the ball. So, everyone thinking that way, get it out of your head.

Haley needs to call the game of his life. Running will be a part but even with AB out, we are still a passing team. We should see at least 60% passing.
 
TnT, TE's and multiple sacks to (sorry Peyton) Manning.
Get 1st Downs with the TE's & running game; spring Martavis fr a couple deep balls.
Keep Manning on the bench watching then plant him face first when he gets on the field.
Boom, game over, Steelers playing the Pattys again in Foxboro!
 
bigtwnvin said:
TnT, TE's and multiple sacks to (sorry Peyton) Manning.
Get 1st Downs with the TE's & running game; spring Martavis fr a couple deep balls.
Keep Manning on the bench watching then plant him face first when he gets on the field.
Boom, game over, Steelers playing the Pattys again in Foxboro!
Click to expand...

You mean the Chiefs in KC ;)
 
I pray for one good blind side hit on Manning early. Not to knock him out, but to make him remember how to fear.
 
Tibs said:
I'm curious why so many in this thread are calling for deep passes to MB? I get the concept, but seems like we're forgetting Ben's shoulder will likely keep him from heaving the ball down the field like he usually does.
Click to expand...

To make them respect it. I think if we are going to beat them, it will need to be in the short and intermediate game, but if they're not concerned about getting beat deep, it will be much harder to accomplish that
 
If Ben plays the Steelers probably should take some deep shots early while the pain meds and adrenaline are flowing. Once the pain meds wear off and the adrenaline subsides Ben's should in all likelihood isn't going to allow him to take shots down field.
Use the short passing game as an extension of the run game, but still the run the ball regardless of the success or lack of it. Try to shorten the game as best as possible.
Don't eschew punting the ball, Berry could be the hero in this one if the defense comes to play this week like last (without the collapse this time). Force the Broncos into long drives.
And, of course, zero turnovers and as few penalties as possible any negative yardage that puts the Steelers behind the sticks will be more difficult to make up this weekend even with Ben at quarterback, particularly in the 2nd half.

I'm assuming Ben will start, his best play will in all likelihood be early in the game, take the lead into the 4th quarter and let him manage the game rather than have to win it.

Things that have to happen:
1) zero turnovers
2) minimal penalties, definitely no personal foul or celebration penalties every yard is important
3) One of the WRs needs to be able to run the entire route tree, this may be DHB
4) The backs will be key to pass protection and as a bail out for Ben, they need to be ready, he can't afford to take hits
5) Force Manning to prove he can make intermediate to deep throws before backing off the LOS
6) Heath may be most useful in pass protection
7) No missed tackles, don't give up YAC, this is a killer for an inconsistent defense
8) Inside pressure on Manning all QBs hate pressure in their face

Papillon
 
1) I see Martavis in the catch and run routes that usually go to AB as he is explosive after the catch and the number of deep attempts by Ben should be limited.
2) Send DHB on the deep routes and Wheaton on the intermediate square ins and outs
3) Heath will probably be kept in for a greater role in pass protection, we will need a few 1st downs from Jesse James
4) Our D has to get some sort of pressure
5) NO 10-15 yard cushions by the DBs, get up and press and throw off Manning's timing routes.
6) Play smart...can't take presnap penalties on O or post snap/personal foul penalties on D.
7) Must win in the ST game!
8) would be remiss if I didn't include Tomlin, so he must be better than the dangerously average coach he frequently is
9) Win turnover battle by +2 or more
10) T n T gonna need to blow it up again

If we succeed in 8 or 9 of these we should win

HERE WE GO STEELERS!!!!
 
SAMMIE COATES


Overview

Finished his career with a yards-per-reception average of 20.9. In 2014, named second-team All-SEC and was a Senior Bowl invitee. Dominated in loss to Alabama with 5 receptions for 206 yards and 2 touchdowns. In 2013, started 12-of-14 games he played in and averaged 54.1 yards per touchdown reception. Played in 11 games in 2012. Redshirted in 2011 after suffering foot injury that required surgery before season started. Led Leroy High School (Ala.) to Class 2A State Championship, earning MVP honors with 5 catches for 60 yards and 2 touchdowns.


Analysis

Strengths Looks the part. Long legs with well-proportioned frame. Outstanding combination of size and speed. Good acceleration off the snap for a receiver with his length. Can take top off defense and open up the underneath. Will beat bold cornerbacks over the top if they wait to turn and run. Forces cornerbacks onto their heels and gets easy, open looks on dig routes. Makes easy in-cut with maximum separation. Ability to win big plays vertically. Saved best performances for big games. Put 206 yards and two touchdowns on Alabama in 2014.

Weaknesses Won't be on quarterback's Christmas card list. Wasn't always on same page with Auburn QB Nick Marshall. Unreliable target. Inexplicable focus drops in all areas of the field. Doesn't play with extended catch radius. Had a drop rate of 19.1 percent. Vertical receiver without vertical feel. Inconsistent play speed. Will gear down too easily on deep routes, turning catchable touchdowns into "overthrows." Suspect ball tracking. Must improve at using body to ward off defenders. Inconsistent with contested catches. Stiff hips and limited route runner. Slow to gather and turn it upfield on catch-and-runs.

Draft Projection Round 3

NFL Comparison Martavis Bryant

Bottom Line Big, fast and raw. Vertical wide receiver with the ability to hit big plays and have dominant games. Coates must be coached to trust his quarterback and run through his deep routes in order to reach his potential. He has early round traits and late-round receiving skills right now, but the upside will be hard to pass on and could pay off in a big way. He will be tethered to the JUGS machine in rookie camp.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top