Pittsburgh Steelers offensive line awaits reforms – NFL Feature
The Pittsburgh Steelers have lost a considerable number of games conveniently this season, and their main problem seen in all those game was their offensive woes, because of injuries or otherwise.
Although some of their players, including veteran quarterback Charlie Batch, were quick to rule out that the team was dependent on one quarterback, veteran Ben Roethlisberger, their performance spoke on the contrary to their views. The team lost a few straight
games with Ben out of the squad due to a dislocated rib and shoulder injury.
Deep down Steelers’ managers are probably aware of the offence situation but do not have answer to it, and they have not started thinking about finding one so far.
A number of game analysts now see and have pointed it out to the Steelers that the team should start thinking of finding and grooming their future offence leader.
It has been for the last couple of years that Ben has considerably gone down in fitness and form. He has now admittedly been selective in his plays. He uses himself limitedly but strategically.
Although he has still managed to produce some impressive numbers during the games he plays, cost of the games he misses is more than what he achieves in those he plays. The Steelers have lost most of the games that Ben has not played, and winning one rarely
does not justify the stature of the team in the league. At least last two years’ record shows that the Steelers failed themselves at almost occasions without Ben with them.
Irrespective of the equations and numbers, some of the team members have refused to come to the realisation that it is time for them to look for a gradual replacement of Big Ben, before it is too late for them. The situation at one of occasions in the season
is in front of them. At one point they were without Ben and Byron Leftwich, and had to return to veteran Charlie Batch as a last resort to help themselves on the offence.
They can also learn from an example of the Indianapolis Colts. The Colts relied on one man, quarterback Peyton Manning, for 13 years, and could not manage to win but a pair of games without him in the side one season. Now they have picked a top-class rookie
because of their luck and are on winning track again. The credit of course lies with the owner who despite being severally criticised took a bold decision to part ways with Manning.
Although the Steelers are not in a position to take such a drastic step, there is an urgent need for them to start weighing their options. Ben has not suffered any serious injury but in case of such unfortunate situation the team stands exposed to suffering
in the longer run.
They can certainly win games with some makeshift offence leaders, but they cannot rely on them permanently. Even if Ben has a couple of more years to play with as much strength as he has at present, his health and fitness are least likely to sustain in the
longer run. He is already being exposed to more and more injury scares. Last year, he missed quite a few games with a sprained ankle and was out for three weeks this year with a rib and shoulder injury.
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