SCB Steelers Mid-Season Report

By: Steel Dad

Just as we did through the first four games of the season, we’ll now take time to evaluate the Steelers through the first eight games of the 2014 season.

Offense

The Steelers currently possess a quarterback with the second most yards in the NFL, a receiver with the second most yards in the league and a running back with the third most yards in the league. It’s tough to argue those numbers.

Statistically speaking, the Steelers rank 2nd in the NFL in total offense just behind the team they beat yesterday, the Colts. They also rank second in the league in passing and sixth in the league in rushing.

The one area where Pittsburgh was struggling was in the red zone. Prior to last Monday night’s game against Houston, the Steelers ranked 31st in the league in scoring red zone touchdowns. After wins over Houston and Indianapolis, they’ve moved up to 24th.

The Steelers proved (finally) yesterday that they can throw the ball effectively down the field and still run the ball. The addition of Martavis Bryant cannot be mentioned enough. The last two weeks have shown how valuable he is in taking the top off the defense. Both Heath Miller and Antonio Brown were beneficiaries of that.

Perhaps the most important sign of good things to come was the job done by the offensive line yesterday. While the run blocking was not always up to par, the pass protection could not have been better.

READ MORE: http://www.steelcityblitz.com/2014/10/27/scb-steelers-mid-season-report/

Agree with the analysis on offense that they are certainly on the up and up. It seems like things are finally clicking and they are executing. 4th and 1 PA pass to Heath? That play was a thing of beauty.

Defense is also starting to come together a little bit. Cortez Allen has been a HUGE disappointment. Hopefully he can get a fire in him that will enhance his performance because Lord knows we need it heading into the Baltimore game.

Special teams has been doing great on coverage. I no longer cringe when we kick (only when we punt thanks to Wing's punt against the Bucs)

I liked LeBeau's schemes in the game vs. the Colts and hope those continue.

I also agree we can go 5-3 or 6-2 for the second half of the season. Baltimore is a huge game.