In 2007 we saw what Ben Roethlisberger is truly capable of when given more freedom to throw: 3154 passing yards, 32 passing touchdowns, 11 interceptions, and a 104.1 QB rating. Thanks to a new coordinator, continued development of young pass catchers, and lack of a goal line back, Big Ben’s numbers reached new heights. In 2008, Roethlisberger enters his prime surrounded by even more talent on offense, so there is little doubt he will sustain a high level of production this year and beyond.
This past offseason, Pittsburgh added even more explosiveness to an already talented offense. Top draft picks, Rashard Mendenhall and Limas Sweed are both poised to make an impact right away. The free agent signing of underrated RB Mewelde Moore adds nice depth and receiving ability out of the backfield. They are loaded at the skill positions, which will create match up nightmares for opposing defenses.
Last year, in his first season as Steelers Offensive Coordinator, Bruce Arians opened up the passing game, as promised. The result: 34 team passing TDs, good for third in the NFL, only behind New England and Dallas. That stat would lead one to believe that Pittsburgh went nuts in pass attempts category, but in reality Arians featured a balanced attack, with a near 50-50 pass-to-run ratio: 432 pass attempts, 511 rush attempts. Pitt actually ranked 31st in the league in pass attempts, making Roethlisberger’s totals even more impressive.
The Arians passing attack is not about volume. It's about aggressive, potent passing plays in opportune situations. He puts his skill players in spots to best utilize their strengths, which is what successful coaches do, and do well. As a result, last year the Steelers boasted a 7.73 yards per pass attempt avg., which ranked third in the league. Santonio Holmes led the league in yards per catch with an awesome 18.1. And don’t think efficiency was sacrificed going for the “big play”, as Big Ben sported the second best QB rating in league at 104.1, only behind Tom Brady.
Even with the passing success, the running game is still a fixture in the gameplan. Last year, Willie Parker was on his way to a rushing title until injury forced him to miss the last two games. The Steelers were third in the league in rush attempts, but did have trouble pounding the ball at the goal-line, finishing w/ only nine team rushing TDs. The team averaged double that output in the previous three years.
Their inability to pound it at the goal-line did lead Arians to lean on the pass inside the 10 yard line, resulting in 12 Roethlisberger TDs. The addition of Mendenhall may decrease Roethlisberger’s goal- line passing opportunities, but the dynamic RB duo will undoubtedly help Big Ben overall. And at least we know Arians isn’t afraid to throw near the stripe.
Head Coach, Mike Tomlin, and O.C., Arians, were absolutely ecstatic when Mendenhall fell to them at 23rd pick of the draft. And it certainly appears to be a match made in football heaven. Mendenhall is an all-around back, with no obvious weakness. He has the ability to pound the ball and the speed to take it the distance (just ask the speedy USC defense). He’s a physical freak, who Arians believes is a bigger, faster version of Edgerrin James in his Colts days! Like Edge, he is solid at blitz pick-ups and a capable receiver. The coaching staff should be comfortable putting him on the field early and often. |
