IHJ's Steelers Pass O vs. Broncos Pass D Analysis
Pittsburgh passing offense versus Denver’s pass defense….
With two of the best run defenses on the field on Sunday, the winner of the AFC title game will be the team who is able to efficiently move the ball down the field via the pass.
Pittsburgh featured the passing game exclusively during the first quarter of the Indy game with Big Ben going for 128 yards on 10-12 passing. This game plan allowed Pittsburgh to get out to an early lead, then lean on the running game to preserve it.
Roethlisberger has played much better in his second playoffs, throwing for five touchdowns to only one interception. Cowher has controlled his young quarterback by using short passes and utilizing the tight end more in the passing game, then stretching the field at opportune times. The Steeler QB will need to greatly improve on his three INT performance against New England a year ago if the Steelers want to advance.
Denver is last the league in sacks this season and did not bring Brady to the ground in last week’s game. The Pittsburgh offensive line should be able to give Ben a great deal of time to throw. This will be important as Roethlisberger will need to go through his progressions as Champ Bailey will be locked down on Hines Ward, his favorite target. Unfortunately for Bailey, even the best cornerbacks get lost when the receiver has time to make two, three or even four moves. I can see Ward using the man-to-man coverage to his advantage and beating the shut-down corner for two or three long gaines. Offensive coordinator Ken Whisenhunt will move Ward around the field and bring him under the linebackers on crossing routes in order to keep space between Ward and Bailey.
By keeping Bettis driving up the middle, Pittsburgh should be able to get Heath Miller behind the speedy linebackers for a couple of catches. The rookie tight end has been spectacular this season, finishing second on the team with 39 receptions during the regular season. The second and third wideouts for Pittsburgh, Antwaan Randle El and Cedrick Wilson will be counted on to beat their defenders, rookie cornerbacks Darrent Williams and Nick Ferguson. Neither have played like rookies this year and have really solidified Denver’s pass defense. But on a stage as big as the AFC title game, the experience of the Pittsburgh wide-outs could prove invaluable.
As long as Roethlisberger has time to throw, he should find it easy to find an open receiver on the field. The passing game, which usually consists of short passes, will need to push the ball down the field with long passes to keep safety John Lynch out of the box on running plays and keep the speedy linebackers a few yards off the line of scrimmage. This will open up the running game for the Steelers and keep the Denver offense on the sideline and keep the crowd sitting on their hands.
With two of the best run defenses on the field on Sunday, the winner of the AFC title game will be the team who is able to efficiently move the ball down the field via the pass.
Pittsburgh featured the passing game exclusively during the first quarter of the Indy game with Big Ben going for 128 yards on 10-12 passing. This game plan allowed Pittsburgh to get out to an early lead, then lean on the running game to preserve it.
Roethlisberger has played much better in his second playoffs, throwing for five touchdowns to only one interception. Cowher has controlled his young quarterback by using short passes and utilizing the tight end more in the passing game, then stretching the field at opportune times. The Steeler QB will need to greatly improve on his three INT performance against New England a year ago if the Steelers want to advance.
Denver is last the league in sacks this season and did not bring Brady to the ground in last week’s game. The Pittsburgh offensive line should be able to give Ben a great deal of time to throw. This will be important as Roethlisberger will need to go through his progressions as Champ Bailey will be locked down on Hines Ward, his favorite target. Unfortunately for Bailey, even the best cornerbacks get lost when the receiver has time to make two, three or even four moves. I can see Ward using the man-to-man coverage to his advantage and beating the shut-down corner for two or three long gaines. Offensive coordinator Ken Whisenhunt will move Ward around the field and bring him under the linebackers on crossing routes in order to keep space between Ward and Bailey.
By keeping Bettis driving up the middle, Pittsburgh should be able to get Heath Miller behind the speedy linebackers for a couple of catches. The rookie tight end has been spectacular this season, finishing second on the team with 39 receptions during the regular season. The second and third wideouts for Pittsburgh, Antwaan Randle El and Cedrick Wilson will be counted on to beat their defenders, rookie cornerbacks Darrent Williams and Nick Ferguson. Neither have played like rookies this year and have really solidified Denver’s pass defense. But on a stage as big as the AFC title game, the experience of the Pittsburgh wide-outs could prove invaluable.
As long as Roethlisberger has time to throw, he should find it easy to find an open receiver on the field. The passing game, which usually consists of short passes, will need to push the ball down the field with long passes to keep safety John Lynch out of the box on running plays and keep the speedy linebackers a few yards off the line of scrimmage. This will open up the running game for the Steelers and keep the Denver offense on the sideline and keep the crowd sitting on their hands.
posted by Derek at 10:08 AM
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