Pittsburgh Steelers & Ben Roethlisberger Need to Count on Their P-O-C-K-E-T

Pockets serve a good purpose.  People like more money in their pockets; they use pockets to keep their hands warm in cold weather; almost everyone has a cell phone in their pocket lately; you know where to find your car keys—in your pocket.

But watching Tom Brady and the Patriots handle their most recent opponents, I was reminded of the importance of the NFL pocket. I am obviously referring to and more concerned about the pocket (or lack of) around Steelers' quarterback, Ben Roethlisberger. 

Here’s the WHAT & the WHY around the importance of the pocket.

The WHAT

P-O-C-K-E-T. 

It takes six letters to spell it, and that sounds like the perfect number of blockers (linemen and tight end) to make a perfect pocket around Ben Roethlisberger.  A good pocket of six will leave Ben a skilled tool chest of either four to five receivers (if Heath releases), or three to four receivers plus a running back.  But, the shape and time is just as important as the number of pieces and the spelling.

Shape. 

1. If possible, a nice, semi-circular shape.
2. A pocket where the Steelers' Tackles & Tight Ends are man-handling, or at least stopping the momentum of opposing edge rushers
3. A pocket where the interior of the Steelers’ line has held and not caved towards the QB 
4. A pocket where Ben Roethlisberger can step into his throws or escape a high-speed DE truck rushing past him

Time.

Ideally, five to seven seconds of time with no hands in face, no arms around knees/legs, basically no penetration from opposing LBs, DBs, DE’s—those letters are not good news when they cross the lining of the P-O-C-K-E-T. 

So, why am I defining the obvious?  Please read on....

The WHY

Besides the obvious reason of Ben Roethlisberger's health, why do I emphasize the pocket? 

Did anyone catch the last two New England Patriots' games?  Not only are the Patriots on the Steelers' regular reason schedule this year, but they are also a nemesis of past post-seasons, and are surely going to be around as a hurdle this post-season.

More importantly, one can argue that Tom Brady runs one of the most efficient passing attacks in the league—regardless of who is catching balls for him. So, it's a pretty good standard for the Steelers' offensive line to target.  Yes, the Patriots dedicated more top draft picks to their line, but the Steelers have plenty of room for improvement.

As much as people rave about Tom Brady (he is damn good, I’ll admit), the Steelers’ Ben Roethlisberger is also a top QB (Top Five?) in this league, and one of the best playmakers. People can debate the talent and accuracy difference all they want, but they are both very successful Super Bowl NFL QBs.

So, yes, Tom Brady is very good, but what I remember from his first two games is that the pocket created by his offensive line is just as good.  Tom Brady can stand tall, hop a couple of times as he surveys his receivers’ precisely timed routes, decide on the best target, step into a smooth throwing motion and deliver the pass.

All of this is usually done without defensive hands anywhere near Brady’s helmet, usually without anyone threatening his body, throwing motion, or even his line of sight.  And, I’m amazed at how long he can stand there and how often his pocket stays in tact.  It’s like he has a virtual vertical cylinder around him that is rarely breached.

Based on the Patriots' offensive scheme and talent, this pocket is so critical to how they go about crushing most opponents.

When the Steelers play the Patriots later this season, their defensive genius Dick LeBeau must find new ways to get hands on Tom Brady, but until then, the Steelers offense should try to play up to this pocket standard.

The RESULTS

Can you imagine if the Steelers’ offensive line could develop into giving Ben Roethlisberger anywhere near that kind of time and spacious pocket? 

First of all, he probably doesn't need as much time, since he’s much more mobile than Tom Brady, and Ben actually likes throwing on the run.  So, even a four-second pocket would be a sufficient luxury for him.

Secondly, can you imagine what Ben R could be with HIS set of receivers and that much time in the pocket?  One word comes to mind—deadly.

I think the Steelers’ set of receivers are more talented and certainly more explosive than those of the Patriots.  Patriot receivers are definitely productive and consistent, and their two young tight ends (Hernandez & Gronkowski) are very talented.

But, more productivity by the line in creating a perfect pocket can put Bruce Arians, Ben Roethlisberger and the receiving corps of Ward, Wallace, Brown, Sanders and Cotchery (not to mention Miller) in the top echelon of the league's offenses.

Then, we can imagine the benefits of a lethal passing game spilling over to help a pretty good rushing attack—one that is also better than that of the Patriots every season.  Bruce Arians could run draw plays and screens all day against teams that are great at rushing the passer (Giants, Baltimore, Chargers, Packers, etc.)

The END: Ben Roethlisber Is Money in the P-O-C-K-E-T

P-O-C-K-E-T.  Maybe the Steelers' linemen and TE can paint a letter each on their backs, and practice spelling it out in the perfect U-shape on the practice field.  Then, test how long they can hold it against Heyward, Hood, Hampton, Woodley, Harrison, Timmons, Polamalu and crew.  Not saying the Steelers need to make their offense into a track meet like the rest of the league seems to be doing, but when it’s time to pass, we need to count on (and in) our pocket!