Tomlin et al have gone 0-4 to start last year, then 8-4 to close last season, then 11-0 to begin this year before the current 0-3 slide.
Much of the reason for the 19-4 middle run (0-7 in rest) was the vast improvement on D post Minkah trade....the pieces all fit together.
The real issues in losses last year and this year are all on O, with Ben directly responsible for 2 of the losses in the combined 0-7 period. Regardless of Ben, or receiver drops, we all see the lack of a run game, poor OL play, and a lack of creative play calling to fix the Run/OL problems as fundamental to any further success this season.
The Steelers are 11-3, can win the division and do some damage in the playoffs, but only if the O can contribute 20 points per game. I would imagine some panic in the FO and owners suite has led to an open exchange of helpful ideas, including a "WTF, we know we cannot win without Ben; lets put it all on Ben's broad shoulders for a few more games, because he is the key to any success" pressure on coaches.
Ben certainly **** the bed in the first half last game, and he actually looked fearful. The Steelers need to give him confidence, every confidence, so that he can lead the O. Maybe it works, maybe not. But it is the only reasonable way forward with an 11-3 record and fast closing window with a HoF QB.
The Steelers did very well with Ben's sandlot playcalling. Why not emphasize this by helping an up-tempo, no huddle approach that plays to Ben's strengths, rather than whatever that abomination of a gameplan was Monday nite?
Lets go Steelers!
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