Pittsburgh Steelers: Offensive Gameplan Features Roethlisberger, Mendenhall
After last week's focus on what was wrong with the Pittsburgh Steelers offense and defense, it's time to focus on what went right against Oakland and how it can best be used to defeat future opponents, starting with the Buffalo Bills this Sunday afternoon.
Make no mistake, this is a trap game for Pittsburgh. Buffalo is not your typical 2-8 team. They're competitive, high-powered on offense and much better than that record would indicate. They're the classic spoiler, going nowhere but ready to ruin someone's party.
Here's an offensive gameplan for the Pittsburgh Steelers to follow in Buffalo this Sunday.
Playcalling Structure
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The Steelers did a great job against the Raiders of mixing things up and keeping Oakland's defense off-balance and confused. That needs to continue every week. Not many teams can compete with an unpredictable Pittsburgh squad.
Run/Pass Ratio
Keep it balanced. The worst thing would be to lean heavily on one side. Judging by late results, the Steelers are getting more production out of the passing game, but this does not mean they've given up on establishing the run. That should continue.
Play Selection
Deep passes, off-tackle runs and play action should be used liberally early. I'd like to see them open up with a deep ball or two to loosen up the defense and then see if they can't turn Mendenhall loose.
The trick will be not to stay with anything too often or too long. Once they establish their offense against Buffalo, I'd be in favor of short slants and trying to work Heath Miller into the game, particularly in the red zone.
Trick Play Usage
I'd stick with the plan of only using a couple. The reverse worked well last week for Pittsburgh, but it's been rough going this season overall. I don't think they'll keep getting away with the throwback from Antwaan Randle El to Ben Roethlisberger, but they could use something like a halfback pass instead to catch the defense out of position.
What Not To Do
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Antwaan Randle El as Third Wide Receiver
This ship clearly has sailed. Randle El isn't nearly as valuable or effective in the passing game as Antonio Brown and Emmanuel Sanders have become. Getting those two rookies more reps in the offense should be a priority. Against a team that scores at will like Buffalo, points will be extremely important.
Being Run-Heavy on Early Downs
The Steelers struggle whenever they over-commit to the running game.
The best thing they can do is use play action on early downs to set up some passing game mismatches and then, once that starts to have an effect, start running on early downs sometimes. The worst scenario is the run, run, pass offense that defined the team against New England.
Running Plays, Quarterback Motion to the Left
The Steelers did a good job of moving away from their weakness on the left side of the offensive line. Ben Roethlisberger didn't slide left in the pocket (although he was unafraid to scramble that way if it was open) and the Steelers did not run that way very often.
That trend should continue. If the Bills load up against the right side of the line, then it's time to run left. Until that happens, stay with your strength.
Concerns to Watch
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Early-Game Struggles
Against the Oakland Raiders, the first two drives by Pittsburgh were beset by poor play by quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. He was continually off-target, throwing too high, too short and too long on several occasions.
That can't continue. Roethlisberger needs to lock in early and channel the type of game he played against Oakland.
Injuries
The Steelers can't afford another major injury along the offensive line. Against the Raiders, they were banged up, particularly left tackle Jonathan Scott and center Maurkice Pouncey.
Trai Essex slid into the left tackle spot effectively and should be rotated with Scott throughout the rest of the season to keep both players fresh and healthy.
Running Game Lacking
The Steelers' vaunted rushing attack has been missing in recent weeks. Although Rashard Mendenhall had several good runs called back by penalties, he still didn't truly establish himself.
That needs to change. The Steelers will need their running game to control the clock in close contests. Establishing a good running game early will also help the passing game be even more effective.
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Key Players to Watch
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Ben Roethlisberger
Coming off probably his best game of the season (and possibly his best game in two years), Roethlisberger has to continue to step up and lead this offense. Buffalo's defense has given up a lot of points and yards early in games, so the Steelers would be wise to have him throwing deep early.
Look for him to have above 250 yards passing, two or more touchdowns and also a few rushing attempts. His ability to move the ball on the ground made a major difference early in the Oakland game and helped a struggling rushing attack.
Rashard Mendenhall
Mendenhall hasn't quite been a non-factor in two games, but he's been on the back burner. Buffalo allows 163.5 yards per game (worst in the NFL), so this is the perfect time for him to breakout again and be a factor.
I'd put Mendenhall down for 120-plus yards, 25 carries, and at least one touchdown. If he establishes himself and the running game, it will be a long day for the Buffalo defense.
Mike Wallace
Wallace leads the league in yards per catch and has set a career high with seven touchdowns. Last week, he turned a five yard crossing route into a 52-yard score, so his speed is a huge factor in changing the balance of games. Going deep to him early should loosen up the defense and allow those shorter routes to develop more consistently.
Wallace has four 100-plus yard games this season and I'd expect him to make it five this week. I think he'll have a touchdown as well.
Heath Miller
He's been relatively quiet all year, but this is a great opportunity to get him involved. Buffalo allows 209 yards passing per game, so they aren't exactly shutting down quarterbacks. With Wallace now established as a legitimate threat, especially deep, teams will slide coverage towards him. That will open up the middle for Miller and probably Emmanuel Sanders.
He may not have a huge game, but I think Miller will be a factor for the offense.
Call Of The Game
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At least once on Sunday, I'd send both Mike Wallace and Emmanuel Sanders deep and then throw toward Sanders instead of Wallace. Teams will be starting to expect deep passes to Wallace, but Sanders and fellow rookie Antonio Brown have excellent speed and hands.
Just like when a deep pass attempt opens up the running game regardless of whether or not it is completed, a deep pass at someone other than Mike Wallace will have the effect of forcing the defense to respect other talented players instead of just one. If you try to cover any of the Pittsburgh receivers one on one, they are adept at finding ways to beat that coverage.
Sanders has proved his mettle. It's time to get him even more involved in the gameplan and the passing attack.
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