Offense making progress

By Chris Bradford



PITTSBURGH — Ben Roethlisberger would love to throw for 400 yards and Emmanuel Sanders would like nothing more than to have 100 yards receiving.

But both know personal ambitions take a back seat to winning. And winning is something the Steelers have finally done the last two weeks after an almost unheard of – at least in Pittsburgh -- four straight losses to open the season. All can agree that a balanced offensive attack has been the key behind the Steelers’ resurrection.

“We’re not a spread offense team,” said Sanders. “When the run game’s on point that opens up the passing game.

“You’ve got to go with what works. That’s what’s working for us right now.”

The emergence of rookie running back Le’Veon Bell, in particular, has alleviated the burden on Roethlisberger, who threw just 23 times last week against Baltimore.

“It helps keep defenses on their toes with play-action and them catching the ball out of the backfield as well,” said Roethlisberger.

It’s the kind of mix between run and pass that Todd Haley likely envisioned for his offense in training camp. But the offensive coordinator points to a different statistic: Success on first down.

Against the Jets and Ravens, the Steelers were able to move the chains by converting more manageable, shorter third-down situations because of their success on first down, according to Haley.

READ MORE: http://www.timesonline.com/sports/steelers/steelers-insider-offense-making-progress/article_0119cc6b-cd29-5599-bf1b-be538d0d9548.html