What is wrong with the run game?

[FSF]

Interesting write up - thanks.
Any chance if you do similar things in the future articles you could either blow the pics up a little bit. would make it easier to see.

Thanks.

Yeah, I took the screen shots — they looked great until image was inserted. I won’t let that be case again.

But the offensive line, TEs and even WRs have all blown assignments to ridiculous levels. I still urge anyone in question to look back to that write up.

Vs. Baltimore with the chance to close out the game—McDonald double teams the DE with extra man lined up right of Pouncey—instead of his assignment to block the edge — let’s Ravens LB run untouched into backfield.

On same play, Feiler leaves his gap after line audible is called and literally blocks Villanueva in the back—Conner didn’t have a chance & he hadn’t even received hand off yet.

We’ve had WRs not making a block — penetration by DBs disrupting slow developing plays... one on one OL getting beaten and other factors, and these are not just on the sweeps.... which have been disastrous.

At this point, misdirections & draws need to be utilized more. We’re not overpowering at point of attack.

But after watching Chiefs, they aren’t either. We are pass blocking great. I was critical of Conner’s non-presence in passing game but he’s wide open often. It’s just that we’ve got a WR open downfield for bigger plays.




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[steel dino]

I think that Conner missed a few holes today. One play in particular there was a jam up in the middle, but outside was wide open and he rammed it up the middle. He also tried to bounce one outside on another play, but just didnt have the speed to get there. On both plays a quicker back would have had big gains. I do think the run blocking is lackluster though. I dont think Conner can be much more patient. He is already slow and I find it hard to believe he is outrunning blocks to the edge.

Agreed..
The coaches see that also..

Thats why right after those plays they inserted Macfarlane for a few carries..

Didnt work with him either because he isnt very good...I dont care how fast he is...

 

[Hoot]

Yeah, I took the screen shots — they looked great until image was inserted. I won’t let that be case again.

But the offensive line, TEs and even WRs have all blown assignments to ridiculous levels. I still urge anyone in question to look back to that write up.

Vs. Baltimore with the chance to close out the game—McDonald double teams the DE with extra man lined up right of Pouncey—instead of his assignment to block the edge — let’s Ravens LB run untouched into backfield.

On same play, Feiler leaves his gap after line audible is called and literally blocks Villanueva in the back—Conner didn’t have a chance & he hadn’t even received hand off yet.

We’ve had WRs not making a block — penetration by DBs disrupting slow developing plays... one on one OL getting beaten and other factors, and these are not just on the sweeps.... which have been disastrous.

At this point, misdirections & draws need to be utilized more. We’re not overpowering at point of attack.

But after watching Chiefs, they aren’t either. We are pass blocking great. I was critical of Conner’s non-presence in passing game but he’s wide open often. It’s just that we’ve got a WR open downfield for bigger plays.




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Reading DKPS this morning, Ebron made a reasonable point that with the additional covid protocols, it is hard to get the run reps. Hard for OL to be in sync with each other and the calls with insufficient reps. No idea how much truth there is in that, but coming from a TE on the team I gotta give it some credence. That said, you are right, a missed block is a missed block. Just like a pass that hits you in the hands, you gotta make it.

 

[steel dino]

Reading DKPS this morning, Ebron made a reasonable point that with the additional covid protocols, it is hard to get the run reps. Hard for OL to be in sync with each other and the calls with insufficient reps. No idea how much truth there is in that, but coming from a TE on the team I gotta give it some credence. That said, you are right, a missed block is a missed block. Just like a pass that hits you in the hands, you gotta make it.

Simplify your run schemes then.

 

[SteelerinMD]

For me just too predictable when they are going to run and where they are going to run. The only big runs were all effort by Conner not play call, scheme or blocking execution. Hard when everyone knows where the back is going to be.... Also, there are plenty of pass plays that are like run plays that do the same things to ILB and S. Also, Bettis and Bell are gone, no reason setting up the run with the pass! 2nd half yesterday, still only 10 pt game and they try to do nothing but run when not working. Hit head against wall repeat....

 

[Coach]

We have no idea who will need to be replaced next year. As the Steelers will not say who they will keep and who they will let test the free agency waters.

Almost forgot and DeCastro had a good game opening up holes. So your ***-essment is again wrong as usual.

Others who watch the games notice DD isn't plain up to his standard. Conner is a free agent next year, along with Ju-Ju others. How much wood you give Conner as a free agent and are you happy with our ground game this season?

An honest reply will tell me how full of it you really are.

 

[Coach]

In the last there games the Steelers are averaging 65.3 yards per game. 31st worst in the NFL, only a yard behind Chicago.

https://www.teamrankings.com/nfl/stat/rushing-yards-per-game

It's not like we've played top teams during our last three games, far from it.

There is a problem. Some like Slash may not see it. Oh, it's there. Neither or backs or OL can run the ball well, not even with a lead when the other defense is tired. And our TE is a poor blocker.

 

[slashsteel]

Others who watch the games notice DD isn't plain up to his standard. Conner is a free agent next year, along with Ju-Ju others. How much wood you give Conner as a free agent and are you happy with our ground game this season?

An honest reply will tell me how full of it you really are.

I was focusing on this last game in regards to DD twatwaffle.


I don't have a chainsaw so I won't be giving Conner any wood, he is wealthy I am sure he can afford his own. Yeah I know who are free agents that doesn't mean he won't be back. Maybe he will maybe he won't. No I am not overly happy with the run game but that a small percentage of being overall happy with the direction the team is headed. Conner shouldn't command a lot to return.

I never need for you to reply to know how full of it you are - you prove that daily.

 

[Coach]

I was focusing on this last game in regards to DD twatwaffle.


I don't have a chainsaw so I won't be giving Conner any wood, he is wealthy I am sure he can afford his own. Yeah I know who are free agents that doesn't mean he won't be back. Maybe he will maybe he won't. No I am not overly happy with the run game but that a small percentage of being overall happy with the direction the team is headed. Conner shouldn't command a lot to return.

I never need for you to reply to know how full of it you are - you prove that daily.

Well ,I'm focusing on the running game as a whole. Allow me to tell you what's going on.

1. DD is not having a good season at all. This could be his worst season. Key word season. He's just not the same, and has not powered our rushing attack like he can. This should obvious to anyone. See our rushing attack totals for the past three games.

2. Conner doesn't fit this offense. He's too SLOW, and opining coaches know it so they clog the middle and hope he tires to go outside where he's a sitting duck for the linebackers. Ben's shorter throws also move coverage up. A faster back is a big need.

3 ) You got one right! To quote you, " Conner shouldn't command a lot to return." In other words not one of the 31 teams wants to pay him feature back type of money, so when I say he should be replaced, you are pretty much agreeing with me. Thank you.

Sincerely

The Twatwaffle who is smarter than you are.

 

[slashsteel]

Well ,I'm focusing on the running game as a whole. Allow me to tell you what's going on.

1. DD is not having a good season at all. This could be his worst season. Key word season. He's just not the same, and has not powered our rushing attack like he can. This should obvious to anyone. See our rushing attack totals for the past three games.

2. Conner doesn't fit this offense. He's too SLOW, and opining coaches know it so they clog the middle and hope he tires to go outside where he's a sitting duck for the linebackers. Ben's shorter throws also move coverage up. A faster back is a big need.

3 ) You got one right! To quote you, " Conner shouldn't command a lot to return." In other words not one of the 31 teams wants to pay him feature back type of money, so when I say he should be replaced, you are pretty much agreeing with me. Thank you.

Sincerely

The Twatwaffle who is smarter than you are.

You are by far the dumbest football fan I have ever met, so you thinking you are smarter than someone means nothing.

Conner is our best RB even if you dislike him.

DDs last game wasn't a bad one but you can keep peddling your horse ****.

 

[Steeltime]

Others who watch the games notice DD isn't plain up to his standard. Conner is a free agent next year, along with Ju-Ju others. How much wood you give Conner as a free agent?

This much:

 

[SteelBuckeye]

You are by far the dumbest football fan I have ever met, so you thinking you are smarter than someone means nothing.

Conner is our best RB even if you dislike him.

DDs last game wasn't a bad one but you can keep peddling your horse ****.

Conner IS our best RB. Which makes Fichtner's decision to basically shelve him for a couple of series when it looked like he was gearing up for a monster game seem .... well, just like Fichtner. Also Fichtner-like was calling plays up the gut for McFarland and having Conner going off tackle. Maybe Conner's plays were supposed to go up the gut and he broke them outside. If so, it worked for him yesterday. McFarland's touches, on the other hand, were just a waste.

It would be great if one of our film gurus could do a breakdown on DeCastro's play over the last 4 games. Has the issue been him, Pouncey, Chucks or some combination thereof?

 

[Coach]

You are by far the dumbest football fan I have ever met, so you thinking you are smarter than someone means nothing.

Conner is our best RB even if you dislike him.

DDs last game wasn't a bad one but you can keep peddling your horse ****.

Oh my, don't make me remind the board you felt Chase Claypool was a 3rd round talent along with the rest of your stupidity! Conner is our best for now, but he's a player that should be replaced.

My last comment on DD was season related. YKSAF!

 

[carbonsteel]

IMO - a problem is that it takes TOO LONG for Ben to hand off to whatever RB is to run. This whole exchange is telegraphed for a good 2 steps of Ben holding out the ball and direct handing to the RB.

This gives the DL ample time to react to the oncoming RB or converge on the exchange.

It sometimes feels like this telegraphed handoff exchange is intentional - saving the better and less telegraphed handoffs for games where the running game is really needed.

 

[stillwright]

IMO - a problem is that it takes TOO LONG for Ben to hand off to whatever RB is to run. This whole exchange is telegraphed for a good 2 steps of Ben holding out the ball and direct handing to the RB.

This gives the DL ample time to react to the oncoming RB or converge on the exchange.

It sometimes feels like this telegraphed handoff exchange is intentional - saving the better and less telegraphed handoffs for games where the running game is really needed.

You must have a good view to tell the good telegraphed handoffs vs the bad ones and deem they are on purpose for us to use the good one's verses the bad to use to our advantage. I hope ypou are right.

 

[slashsteel]

Oh my, don't make me remind the board you felt Chase Claypool was a 3rd round talent along with the rest of your stupidity! Conner is our best for now, but he's a player that should be replaced.

My last comment on DD was season related. YKSAF!

cooch being off one round isn't a big deal, you should know you are terribly wrong more than you are right. Then you try to come in on the tail end and claim credit. We all know Claypool wasn't your pick for the Steelers.

The fast CB you slobbered over did ****.

Ed Oliver says hi that 30 day fail that gave the board a break from your ignorance was beautiful !

Dobbins the guy I liked? doing really well for the rats. I also pegged Watt out future HOFer.

Anyways we let the Steelers decide who should be replaced because nobody takes stock on anything you say.

Absolutely NOBODY,

hi

 

[wig]

How much wood you give Conner as a free agent and are you happy with our ground game this season?

This is what I don't understand about you. Conner is far and away our best back. It's not even close. Snell does fine in short yardage now and then, but I don't trust him yet not to fumble at a critical time. McFarland is clearly trash right now. I can't even remember more than one or two positive plays for him. Literally, he's trash.

But for some reason YOU want to throw the baby out with the bath water and just assume the next 2800k per year back is going to fall in the Steelers lap late in the first round. And that's IF they bother to use their first pick. Who the **** are they going to get that's better than Conner? Seriously? Where is this superman coming from?

You often act like you've hacked Madden and can just alter attributes for your picks at will. Sadly, it doesn't work like that in the actual NFL.

I don't think Conner is perfect. But I do believe wholeheartedly that he's the best back we have on the roster and it isn't close. I don't believe you just replace him with a 4th round pick. I don't want the Steelers to trade for other teams' garbage in the hope that somehow they find a guy who's maybe better than Conner.

Conner has specific talents and strengths. Just like Ben and the receivers. If the OC can't figure out how to capitalize on those strengths, that's hardly Conner's fault.

 

[wig]

And, as much as you love Claypool - I would remind you that Washington STILL has a better catch percentage than Chase.

He's a shiny new toy and I love watching him play as much as anybody, but he's not all that and a bag of chips just yet. Claypool obviously needs some seasoning. I expect him to get better and better, but truthfully, if the game is tight and I NEED somebody to rely on - I'm going to JuJu and James and that's just the way it is. They are more reliable, if less sexy.

 

[Coach]

This is what I don't understand about you. Conner is far and away our best back. It's not even close. Snell does fine in short yardage now and then, but I don't trust him yet not to fumble at a critical time. McFarland is clearly trash right now. I can't even remember more than one or two positive plays for him. Literally, he's trash.

But for some reason YOU want to throw the baby out with the bath water and just assume the next 2800k per year back is going to fall in the Steelers lap late in the first round. And that's IF they bother to use their first pick. Who the **** are they going to get that's better than Conner? Seriously? Where is this superman coming from?

You often act like you've hacked Madden and can just alter attributes for your picks at will. Sadly, it doesn't work like that in the actual NFL.

I don't think Conner is perfect. But I do believe wholeheartedly that he's the best back we have on the roster and it isn't close. I don't believe you just replace him with a 4th round pick. I don't want the Steelers to trade for other teams' garbage in the hope that somehow they find a guy who's maybe better than Conner.

Conner has specific talents and strengths. Just like Ben and the receivers. If the OC can't figure out how to capitalize on those strengths, that's hardly Conner's fault.

You might have misunderstood me. Conner is our best back for now. Now where did I say he should not start? Never ever this year. My point is we can do a lot better. Conner is easily replaceable by a draft pick or free agent. A feature back is a need for the off season. That is my point. I'm okay with spending a 2nd round pick here. Randy F catches some heat for dumb calls by many here, but I have not seen or read anyone saying how Conner is not be used correctly with an explanation attached to it. Conner weakness is why the Steelers are using so many WR runs.

 

[Coach]

And, as much as you love Claypool - I would remind you that Washington STILL has a better catch percentage than Chase.

He's a shiny new toy and I love watching him play as much as anybody, but he's not all that and a bag of chips just yet. Claypool obviously needs some seasoning. I expect him to get better and better, but truthfully, if the game is tight and I NEED somebody to rely on - I'm going to JuJu and James and that's just the way it is. They are more reliable, if less sexy.

Wig,

I think Washington is a mis mach as a #4 WR vs most. Claypool is being double covered. Put Washington on the same throws Claypool gets and his catch percentage is lower than Claypools, agreed? Claypool has how many TD's? 10 and counting as a rookie? That's amazing. He's is all that and a bag of chips, PLUS how many flags has he drawn and the yardage that goes with it? I'd like to know I'd estimate 100+ yards in penalty flags down because he's beating his man some of which would have gone for TD's, and more yardage without the defensive holding.

Yeah, Claypool needs a full camp t lean more. He's a complete WR, with a very expandable route tree and is a whale of a blocker. If you recall I did not like the Washington pick at all. At best this year he's the 5th best option, you'd want more from a former 2nd round pick. I think that call was correct on this being a bad 2nd round pick.

 

[Hoot]

Simplify your run schemes then.

not sure it is so much about simplification as it is about getting reps to have timing down. That said, as others have pointed out and I have much agreed wtih, I do not like JC on the EW game. I prefer to see him on the gut and off tackle runs.

 

[Stryker]

I just rewatched the game and our running game did a much better job than we have in a month. We converted 2 short yardage 3rd downs, a 4th and 1, and a goal line TD by Snell.

The only one we got stopped on was Rudolph's 1st drive where we didn't get a 3rd and 1.

The Steelers run game is trending up!

 

[slashsteel]

I just rewatched the game and our running game did a much better job than we have in a month. We converted 2 short yardage 3rd downs, a 4th and 1, and a goal line TD by Snell.

The only one we got stopped on was Rudolph's 1st drive where we didn't get a 3rd and 1.

The Steelers run game is trending up!

Did you zoom in on the Oline? What is your run blocking take for the Jags game?

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[Ike Kelly]

In the last there games the Steelers are averaging 65.3 yards per game. 31st worst in the NFL, only a yard behind Chicago.

https://www.teamrankings.com/nfl/stat/rushing-yards-per-game

It's not like we've played top teams during our last three games, far from it.

There is a problem. Some like Slash may not see it. Oh, it's there. Neither or backs or OL can run the ball well, not even with a lead when the other defense is tired. And our TE is a poor blocker.

KC in their last 3 games are averaging 64.7 per game. This is from your own link. So KC has a problem too then? Elaborate on why KC has a problem to prove your point.


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[Ike Kelly]

.......Some like Slash may not see it. Oh, it's there. “Neither or backs” or OL can run the ball well, not even with a lead when the other defense is tired. And our TE is a poor blocker.

Well ,I'm focusing on the running game as a whole. Allow me to tell you what's going on.

1. DD is not having a good season at all. This could be his worst season. Key word season. He's just not the same, and has not powered our rushing attack like he can. “This should obvious to anyone”. See our rushing attack totals for the past three games.

2. Conner doesn't fit this offense. He's too SLOW, “and opining coaches know it so they clog the middle and hope he tires to go outside where he's a sitting duck for the linebackers”. Ben's shorter throws also move coverage up. A faster back is a big need.

3 ) You got one right! To quote you, "Conner shouldn't command a lot to return." In other words not one of the 31 teams wants to pay him feature back type of money, so when I say he should be replaced, you are pretty much agreeing with me. Thank you.

Sincerely

The Twatwaffle who is smarter than you are.

You might have misunderstood me. Conner is our best back for now. Now where did I say he should not start? Never ever this year. My point is we can do a lot better. Conner is easily replaceable by a draft pick or free agent. A feature back is a need for the off season. That is my point. I'm okay with spending a 2nd round pick here. Randy F catches some heat for dumb calls by many here, but I have not seen or read anyone saying how “Conner is not be used correctly” with an explanation attached to it. Conner weakness is why the Steelers are using so many WR runs.

Gheez, learn to write coherently. You blast a player’s intelligence but you yourself can hardly concoct a complete paragraph without having multiple sentence fragments and/or typos.


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