The Long Summer is Finally Coming to an End

[bradshaw2ben]

Connor. I think with JuJu and Connor the Steelers were trying to do some course correction if you will. This offense was getting a little too finesse, a little too prima donna like, a little too... soft. There was a need for some physical playmakers, players that are going to not just run around you but through you, over you. I am not saying that Bell is soft but it sure would be nice to be able to take Bell out of the game and rest him and let a bigger back like Connor close out a game. Or to let him run behind our good O-line in short yardage situations or goal line situations. Sometimes Bell's running style is at odds when all you want to do is pick up 1 yard for that first down. In times like that you don't want to hesitate, you don't want to prolong, extend the play, have your O-line make the push and punch it in there. I also think Connor will make a great special teams player..

Pro Football Focus noted Bell graded out as the league’s top short yardage back, defined as needing three or fewer yards for a first down/touchdown. According to the graphic they made, over 91% of his rushing yards in those situations came after contact.

Twitter Ads info and privUsing Pro Football Reference’s Play Index, Bell had 34 carries with three or fewer yards to go last season. He converted 25 of those, a 73.5% success rate. For comparison’s sake, DeAngelo Williams had a 69.2% conversion rate last season.

It’s Bell’s patience and size that makes him a tough runner to get down. And of course, a lot of credit goes to the offensive line, who have been taught to hold onto double-teams longer than usual to accommodate Bell’s stop-start style.

On every short yardage run last year, the Steelers converted 73% of the time. That ranked second in the league, only trailing – oddly enough – the New Orleans Saints’ 75%. On the other end of the spectrum were the Denver Broncos. They came in last, converting 49% of the time. Be grateful for this offensive line. And Le’Veon Bell. Few are able to keep drives alive like them.

http://www.steelersdepot.com/2017/06/leveon-bell-nfls-best-short-yardage-runner-2016/

[Scunge]

I knew somebody would get cute and brag about Bell's short yardage prowess.

All I know is that this offense is not scoring points like it should, does not dominate in the redzone like it should. Yes, some may blame Big Ben for those troubles but it isn't all just on him. There was a need for physical players in this offense, for a bigger bodied WR like JuJu who plays to his size and for a bigger RB to spell Bell and help in short yardage.

I don't know about the rest of you but I am tired of Bell being used up and injured come playoff time. A complementary, big back was a need for this offense.

As much as people think just getting Bryant back fixes everything and that we will set the NFL on fire, I just disagree. This offense needs a big bodied slot WR like JuJu, a big RB like Connor and a vertical athletic TE like Green to really take that next step. It is about diversity, about having an assortment of options that makes it more difficult for a defense to stop you.

It is too bad that Green did not work out but I have hope that Grimble can give us that on a smaller scale.

Whether or not Haley uses the assortment of players he has is another story. But I think JuJu, Connor and Grimble collectively can have a big impact on the offense this season.

[stairway 2 seven]

Apparently the Steelers were ranked last in the number of play action pass plays last year. How does that happen with a rb like Leveon in the backfield?

[bradshaw2ben]

I completely agree about all of your issues-- just don't see Connor as much of an add-- but perhaps he will bounce back and transform as did Bell coming into the NFL.

A physical WR will help a lot in RZ and a mismatch TE would be great-- pipe dream at this point.

I think our OL is actually a bit too finesse when teams stack vs the run. We're not Dallas, blowing defensive fronts off the ball. You look inside the short yardage numbers-- Bell is making that conversion rate happen. Connor may not have the same kind of success.

I still think the offense has to be fungible and fun. Be able to spread teams out and shred them short, run the ball against any front, take advantage of them thinking run or focusing on AB to hit the seams and Bryant. Get our outside WRs running different route combos and different routes than what they normally show on tape. Run some 4 wide + Bell. Put Ben almost exclusively in pistol or shotgun. Use more misdirection, more imagination in calls and design.

I say, keep Bell fresh by using Ben and the short game more. Get 8 yds on 1st and 2nd down and the game will open up. We can rotate fresh WRs all day, and there's no chance they can cover everything. They'll have to protect the deep ball, have to double AB-- short shit in the slots and Bell out of the backfield HAS TO be there if you call the game right.

This team needs to ride 7 and the extremely deep pool of pass catching talent. Use Bell as a complement to that and not the other way around. Then he'll be fresh as a daisy when you need him.

[bradshaw2ben]

Apparently the Steelers were ranked last in the number of play action pass plays last year. How does that happen with a rb like Leveon in the backfield?

Ben's leg/ankle/foot injuries... and questionable offensive imagination.

[jebrick]

Ben is also is shitty at selling the PA. I remember hearing about Boomer Esiason practicing so the PA was just like he would hand it off. That makes the defense freeze. He was the best at PA I have seen.

[Jobu]

I completely agree about all of your issues-- just don't see Connor as much of an ad-- but perhaps he will bounce back and transform as did Bell coming into the NFL.

A physical WR will help a lot in RZ and a mismatch TE would be great-- pipe dream at this point.

I think our OL is actually a bit too finesse when teams stack vs the run. We're not Dallas, blowing defensive fronts off the ball. You look inside the short yardage numbers-- Bell is making that conversion rate happen. Connor may not have the same kind of success.

I still think the offense has to be fungible and fun. Be able to spread teams out and shred them short, run the ball against any front, take advantage of them thinking run or focusing on AB to hit the seams and Bryant. Get our outside WRs running different route combos and different routes than what they normally show on tape. Run some 4 wide + Bell. Put Ben almost exclusively in pistol or shotgun. Use more misdirection, more imagination in calls and design.

I say, keep Bell fresh by using Ben and the short game more. Get 8 yds on 1st and 2nd down and the game will open up. We can rotate fresh WRs all day, and there's no chance they can cover everything. They'll have to protect the deep ball, have to double AB-- short shit in the slots and Bell out of the backfield HAS TO be there if you call the game right.

This team needs to ride 7 and the extremely deep pool of pass catching talent. Use Bell as a complement to that and not the other way around. Then he'll be fresh as a daisy when you need him.

These are nice thoughts. You do however realize it's ALL a pipe dream though...right?

Here are my thoughts on what the Steelers are and will do going forward.
This past April was the "back to the future" draft.
JuJu = Hines Ward
Connor = Bussie
Dobbs = Kordell
Run first/heavy, game managing, high percentage move the sticks pass game. TOP...TOP...TOP!
Protect the defense, attrition football. This is why Haley was brought in, what Tomlin wants, what A2 wants. 21st century Steelers football.

So which do we think is closer to reality?

[Lynch]

What this offense is gonna get is more Jesse James, and a little Juju in the redzone. I'm expecting the outlaw to produce big this year.

[955876]

This team needs to ride 7 and the extremely deep pool of pass catching talent. Use Bell as a complement to that and not the other way around. Then he'll be fresh as a daisy when you need him.

Ding ding

[Steelafan77]

Forget where I saw it today..., Fully Agreed when I read it though. I think the plan is, playing the pass to set up the run. Also with a season under the belt for Burns, Davis and Hargrave I can see the defense becoming more creative while being better executed. I think the Alualu addition is bigger than we can know at this point.

[bradshaw2ben]

Ben is also is shitty at selling the PA. I remember hearing about Boomer Esiason practicing so the PA was just like he would hand it off. That makes the defense freeze. He was the best at PA I have seen.

He was tremendous at the ball fake earlier in his career-- I don't think he's lacking for the skills. His feet are the issue. They are not what they once were b/c of injuries/age. Another reason he should be ball faking PA from pistol & shotgun.

[bradshaw2ben]

What this offense is gonna get is more Jesse James, and a little Juju in the redzone. I'm expecting the outlaw to produce big this year.

Those counting on a breakout impact from James and Connor are in for an awakening. Nice role players, hard to imagine more.

[Scunge]

Yeah, I like Jesse James but I don't think he is a #1 TE, he can be a good #2.

I think that Grimble has more potential and it will be interesting to see how he progresses this season. Maybe the best he can be is a #2 TE as well but you know that is not too bad. I remember a season where James Daniels had Howard Cross and Aaron Pierce at TE while he was with the Giants and all they did was combine for 51 catches and 8 TDs while also blocking for Rodney Hampton. They were 10th in rushing that year. My point is that having two good #2s at TE doesn't necessarily have to be a bad thing.

For me all Connor has to do at RB is take some of the wear and tear off of Bell. I want to see Bell average about 18 carries a game, and hope to see Connor pick up 7 carries or so. That would put Bell still close to 300 (288) and would have Connor over 100 (112). And just because Connor would be in the game at RB does not necessarily mean that Bell would have to leave the field. You could line him up at WR or in the slot. It is all about options and adding new wrinkles, Connor could run the ball, or could pass protect while Bell runs a route. I can see Connor being enough of a team player that he would welcome the opportunity to play some fullback at times too. All about options.

[Pabst]

Yeah, I like Jesse James but I don't think he is a #1 TE, he can be a good #2.

I think that Grimble has more potential and it will be interesting to see how he progresses this season. Maybe the best he can be is a #2 TE as well but you know that is not too bad. I remember a season where James Daniels had Howard Cross and Aaron Pierce at TE while he was with the Giants and all they did was combine for 51 catches and 8 TDs while also blocking for Rodney Hampton. They were 10th in rushing that year. My point is that having two good #2s at TE doesn't necessarily have to be a bad thing.

For me all Connor has to do at RB is take some of the wear and tear off of Bell. I want to see Bell average about 18 carries a game, and hope to see Connor pick up 7 carries or so. That would put Bell still close to 300 (288) and would have Connor over 100 (112). And just because Connor would be in the game at RB does not necessarily mean that Bell would have to leave the field. You could line him up at WR or in the slot. It is all about options and adding new wrinkles, Connor could run the ball, or could pass protect while Bell runs a route. I can see Connor being enough of a team player that he would welcome the opportunity to play some fullback at times too. All about options.

Dream scenario is that Bell/Conner mimic the LT & Michael Turner combo from San Diego in the mid-2000s. I'm aware that's unlikely, but I will fantasize until the season starts.

[JPPT1974]

Can't wait for that of in the summer to end. So that I can watch football! Jesse James will be #2 indeed.

[Lynch]

Call em what you want, but ole James is gonna catch a lot of footballs this year. I'm thinking 50/600/6td's sounds about right.

[Scunge]

Dream scenario is that Bell/Conner mimic the LT & Michael Turner combo from San Diego in the mid-2000s. I'm aware that's unlikely, but I will fantasize until the season starts.

Oh, I totally agree Pabst. I also think a good comparison of what I want from Bell/Connor is what Baltimore did with Ray Rice. Rice was a great thorn in our side for a number of years, a great RB who could rush for 1,000 yards and catch 60 passes but they did not just run the wheels off of him.

They always had a bigger complementary RB, Wilis McGahee, Ricky Williams, Bernard Pierce and they used them. Those players rushed for 400, 500 yards in a season even with Rice getting his 1,000 yards. The Steelers have to wise up and get smart with Bell, especially if they intend to sign him long term. You have to shave off the carries and the wear and tear so that he can help us win a Super Bowl.

[Lynch]

I don't think they plan on keeping Bell long term. Hence, If someone offers up the right trade, they should take it. Better to get a significant something out of him than the 3rd comp he'd bring.

[R_S]

Yeah, I like Jesse James but I don't think he is a #1 TE, he can be a good #2.

I think that Grimble has more potential and it will be interesting to see how he progresses this season. Maybe the best he can be is a #2 TE as well but you know that is not too bad. I remember a season where James Daniels had Howard Cross and Aaron Pierce at TE while he was with the Giants and all they did was combine for 51 catches and 8 TDs while also blocking for Rodney Hampton. They were 10th in rushing that year. My point is that having two good #2s at TE doesn't necessarily have to be a bad thing.

For me all Connor has to do at RB is take some of the wear and tear off of Bell. I want to see Bell average about 18 carries a game, and hope to see Connor pick up 7 carries or so. That would put Bell still close to 300 (288) and would have Connor over 100 (112). And just because Connor would be in the game at RB does not necessarily mean that Bell would have to leave the field. You could line him up at WR or in the slot. It is all about options and adding new wrinkles, Connor could run the ball, or could pass protect while Bell runs a route. I can see Connor being enough of a team player that he would welcome the opportunity to play some fullback at times too. All about options.

Dream scenario is that Bell/Conner mimic the LT & Michael Turner combo from San Diego in the mid-2000s. I'm aware that's unlikely, but I will fantasize until the season starts.

well this would constitute a MAJOR change in philosophy by the coaching staff. They had one of the best backup RBS in the league and he would barely sniff a carry when Bell was healthy. You would think taking Connor early in the draft shows that they are changing that philosophy but I won't be shocked if Connor gets 1-2 carries a game until Bell gets hurt again. I give it 60-40 chance that is how things will go down.

[Thrillsseeker]

Yeah, I like Jesse James but I don't think he is a #1 TE, he can be a good #2.

I think that Grimble has more potential and it will be interesting to see how he progresses this season. Maybe the best he can be is a #2 TE as well but you know that is not too bad. I remember a season where James Daniels had Howard Cross and Aaron Pierce at TE while he was with the Giants and all they did was combine for 51 catches and 8 TDs while also blocking for Rodney Hampton. They were 10th in rushing that year. My point is that having two good #2s at TE doesn't necessarily have to be a bad thing.

For me all Connor has to do at RB is take some of the wear and tear off of Bell. I want to see Bell average about 18 carries a game, and hope to see Connor pick up 7 carries or so. That would put Bell still close to 300 (288) and would have Connor over 100 (112). And just because Connor would be in the game at RB does not necessarily mean that Bell would have to leave the field. You could line him up at WR or in the slot. It is all about options and adding new wrinkles, Connor could run the ball, or could pass protect while Bell runs a route. I can see Connor being enough of a team player that he would welcome the opportunity to play some fullback at times too. All about options.

Dream scenario is that Bell/Conner mimic the LT & Michael Turner combo from San Diego in the mid-2000s. I'm aware that's unlikely, but I will fantasize until the season starts.

well this would constitute a MAJOR change in philosophy by the coaching staff. They had one of the best backup RBS in the league and he would barely sniff a carry when Bell was healthy. You would think taking Connor early in the draft shows that they are changing that philosophy but I won't be shocked if Connor gets 1-2 carries a game until Bell gets hurt again. I give it 60-40 chance that is how things will go down.

I think this is spot on RS. Also, from the masses who think it's intentional to run the wheels off Bell and not give Connor more carries, this fits right into that mindset. They have never shied away from running the wheels off of a RB. I could never understand why they didn't give D.Williams more carries throughout the season.

[jebrick]

If they sign Bell long term they will balance the workload. If they do not sign him long term they will run the wheels off and wave goodbye.

[steelclan]

Wasn't long for me. Thoroughly enjoyed Lions v All Blacks test series and being at & seeing Western States 100. Some of you need to get out more.

[R_S]

Wasn't long for me. Thoroughly enjoyed Lions v All Blacks test series and being at & seeing Western States 100. Some of you need to get out more.

[Orangesteel]

Wasn't long for me. Thoroughly enjoyed Lions v All Blacks test series and being at & seeing Western States 100. Some of you need to get out more.

Lol. If you want to talk about what you have done this summer, why don't you start a thread named "The Summer of Clan" instead of wedging it into this football thread?

[Steelafan77]

No players were selected in the Supplemental Draft on Wednesday.
Only two players were eligible: Georgia Military College DE Tavares Bingham and Western New Mexico RB Marques Rodgers. Neither is a legitimate NFL prospect. The Rams were the last team to make a pick in the Supplemental Draft, taking OT Isaiah Battle with a fifth-rounder in 2015. Before Battle, Josh Gordon in 2012 and Terrelle Pryor in 2011 were big-time prospects taken by the Browns and Raiders. http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/8369/roger-goodell

Any interest in either player?

[steelclan]

Wasn't long for me. Thoroughly enjoyed Lions v All Blacks test series and being at & seeing Western States 100. Some of you need to get out more.

Lol. If you want to talk about what you have done this summer, why don't you start a thread named "The Summer of Clan" instead of wedging it into this football thread?

Ah yes and maybe a podcast, trucker hats w/cool hipster themes & a beer of the week angle? Channel my inner Simmons.

Nah maybe instead I like to make a point that Football becomes more enjoyable once it becomes a part of what I enjoy rather than the only thing. It allows me to enjoy seasons where Steelers don't win Sbs and not continually obsess over my Summer being "long" then driven by what ifs and gnashing teeth until Steelers line up at training camp in pursuit of another Lombardy.

Long summer especially odd as Pittsburgh sports seems to do well even when Steelers aren't lifting a SB. I'm not a Pro Hockey fan at all. In fact I have more interest in picking out socks but didn't Pittsburgh just win a Stanley Cup? I can think of worse "long summers" for Pittsburgh sports fans to deal with but hey nevermind that should I put a Highlander with a Steeler helmet on first iteration of Trucker hats or a Saltire (Scottish flag) with James Harrison leaping out of the middle?

[Jobu]

The summer is way too short, if you ask me...

[JackLambert58]

Coming to an end? It just started less than a month ago. And it goes until the third week of September. Anyway, I love the summer. It means more when you're only a 30-minute drive away from the ocean. Unlike most of you, I love baseball, too. Yes, looking forward to Steeler football. Who knows, maybe they finally get over that Patriots hump this year. But I say let summer take its time. We have too much shit weather in the winter not to appreciate summer.

[Orangesteel]

That's a good point about the Pens. Witnessing back to back cups has more than satisfied my fandom thirst for Pittsburgh sports. But I'm a huge hockey fan and understand many others are not. In my eyes anything the Steelers do is just gravy; Pens are my no. 1 at the moment.

[alancac98]

That's a good point about the Pens. Witnessing back to back cups has more than satisfied my fandom thirst for Pittsburgh sports. But I'm a huge hockey fan and understand many others are not. In my eyes anything the Steelers do is just gravy; Pens are my no. 1 at the moment.

Mine too, although, Pens have ranked higher (by just a smidge) than the Steelers since I became a fan in 1985. These last two years, I have been in hockey heaven, though my wife hates playoff hockey ( I won't miss a game no matter what). I get so far behind on household chores when they make these deep playoff runs, she's always bitching at me. But, I'm all caught up now, so it's all good.