Pittsburgh Steelers: Diversifying Offensive Portfolio May Help Success in 2011

The Pittsburgh Steelers, like any other NFL team, have things that they do well and things they do poorly. Offensively, they have the talent and weaponry to shred opposing defenses. The issue is that, often times, the Steelers offense beats itself.

By diversifying the play-calling and playbook, the unit could put themselves over the top, take some pressure off of their staunch defense and also lessen the importance of having a clutch kicker who can handle the peculiar and tricky conditions at Heinz Field.

Here's a three pack of ways that a little diligence and diversity could help the team's 2011 success.

1. Passing Fancy

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PITTSBURGH - DECEMBER 12: Mike Wallace #17 of the Pittsburgh Steelers runs with the ball on a trick play during the game against the Cincinnati Bengals on December 12, 2010 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Imag

The Pittsburgh offense has some of the best receiving weapons in the league. Mike Wallace has fast become the go-to guy in Pittsburgh's scheme. Hines Ward, though declining somewhat, is still a force to be reckoned with on every play. Emmanuel Sanders and Antonio Brown form a young duo that will only become more potent with experience.

Add in the potential, unrealized or not, in Limas Sweed, Antwaan Randle El, Wes Lyons and super-utility prospect Baron Batch and you have one of the best corps in the NFL.

But Bruce Arians, the team's embattled offensive coordinator, often fails to utilize his weapons in more than basic ways.

First downs are prime passing downs for teams with good receivers, yet Arians almost always opts to run the ball first. The Steelers success rate when passing on first down is very high because it is so unexpected. Why not tinker with passing on first and second downs at least on an equal basis with running the ball there?

The results could be spectacular.

2. On Again, off Again Handcuffs

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PITTSBURGH - DECEMBER 23: Ben Roethlisberger #7 of the Pittsburgh Steelers throws a pass during the game against the Carolina Panthers on December 23, 2010 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images)

Ben Roethlisberger is one of the most physically gifted quarterbacks in the game. The argument over his belonging among the game's current elite will rage until he clearly separates himself with another ring or two, but he must be recognized as a key cog on a highly successful team.

Roethlisberger, however, has to contend with some on-again, off-again handcuffs. There are times when it looks like he's unable to run the ball or the plays he'd like. While inexplicable when looking at events on the field, it seems that, if you look toward the sideline, the answer shows itself.

Why not let Ben Roethlisberger, probably the best backyard-style quarterback of his era, run the offense himself? Quarterbacks have long since ceased being true "signal-callers," but a player like Roethlisberger can likely be that kind of classic player.

I'd like to see things change in 2011. I'd like to see Ben Roethlisberger playing at will, running, throwing and directing things from the huddle and from under center. Enough with on-again, off-again. Let's allow him to play the game his way.

3. About That Running Game

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PITTSBURGH - DECEMBER 19: Rashard Mendenhall #34 of the Pittsburgh Steelers celebrates after running for a touchdown during the game against the New York Jets at Heinz Field on December 19, 2010 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Karl Walter/Getty I

We've beat up on the way the passing game shapes up, but I haven't said much yet about the team's rushing attack.

It's nice that Rashard Mendenhall has put together back to back 1,000-plus yard seasons, but if you look beyond the overall numbers, his performances aren't very consistent. I don't think that has much to do with Mendenhall. He's a bullish runner who will go to daylight.

It has to do with the offensive line. Now that the team has begun the long-awaited process of upgrading the line with actual prospects, it is time for the coaches to lean on them to make things more successful for the team's stable of backs.

If Mendenhall had a slightly better line, he may have broken both the team rushing record and the team's touchdown-scoring record by now. He's come close. Regardless of whether or not they pass more often on first or second down in 2011, he should be able to eclipse those marks if the line improves.

Recommitting to the rushing attack was the best thing the Steelers could have done. Now that they've also committed to putting a workable line on the field, they should flourish.