Good Tuesday to you Steelers’ Fans.
I have to admit that when Randy Fichtner took over the offensive coordinator’s job from Todd Haley in 2018 I would have never dreamed that his offense would run the ball so seldom. Last season, the Steelers were second in the league behind only the Green Bay Packers in pass-run ratio. Over 67% of the time the Steelers threw the ball. Only two of the top nine in this category made the playoffs. Conversely, teams that had more balance, were more likely to make the postseason. I have to say I was a bit surprised by this. Despite having a plethora of weapons I thought for sure Fichtner would run the ball more. Once James Conner started experiencing injuries later in the season the rise in passing was to be expected. I am curious to see how this stat is affected by the departure of Antonio Brown. The pressure on Ben Roethlisberger to constantly appease Brown may reduce the number of passes slightly. In all honesty, this team didn’t miss the postseason because of this stat. Missed kicks and blown assignments had more to do with that. Therefore I’m not suggesting throwing the ball a lot is a game plan for losing but a little more balance would prove beneficial for everyone.
Tweet of the Day… JuJu is in London for the NFL’s Football Academy.
It's LITTY in London‼️
📍 Tottenham Hotspur Stadium for the #NFLAcademy@TeamJuJu | @SpursOfficial pic.twitter.com/dLk4QOUk6n
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) July 2, 2019
There are 68 more days until the Steelers officially kick off the 2019 NFL season in New England. 68 is of course the number worn by the great L.C. Greenwood. One of the four members of the ‘Steel Curtain,’ Greenwood was often overshadowed (and rightfully so in some respects) by the great Mean Joe Greene who played next to him. Ask anyone who knows football and who knows how the Steelers did things defensively in those days and they’ll tell you just how good Greenwood was. Much like Donny Shell, I believe he is often the victim of “Steelers’ Bias” when it comes to Hall of Fame voting. He and Shell are both deserving and I hope that their call comes soon.
Each year it is typical for some draft picks to not make the roster. Some are placed on the practice squad while others may just be cut altogether. As we look at this year’s class. I think it’s a safe bet to say Devin Bush, Diontae Johnson, Justin Layne and Benny Snell make the roster. I think there is also something to be said for Sutton Smith as well who will likely be used on nearly every Special Teams’ unit. As for Derwin Gray, Zach Gentry and Ulysses Gilbert, their road is a bit more difficult. The one guy I would really like to see make it is Isaiah Buggs. I say this not because I’m an Alabama fan or anything like that. I say that because depth on the defensive line is always important whether due to injury or necessity. Buggs’ making the roster could let all of us sleep a bit easier knowing there is capable depth behind the starters. There’s no guarantee of course but it would be nice.
Have a great Tuesday Steeler Nation!
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