Control seized after Steelers' quick starts, answers

By Gerry Dulac, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger does not know how or when he injured the thumb on his throwing hand, but it could have come from trying to count all the times the offense has started quick. Or all the times they have answered opposing scores with timely touchdowns.

Not only have the Steelers scored on their opening possession in five of the past six games, including in a 24-17 victory Sunday in Cincinnati, but they also have had double-digit leads in the first quarter in four of the past five outings.

And, on those occasions when the defense hasn't always been able to prevent opponents from tying the score or getting within a field goal, the offense has quickly countered with a touchdown to effectively seal the outcome.

"We feel we can score with the best teams in the NFL," wide receiver Mike Wallace said. "So that's what we have to do in order to have control of the game. You have to have a fast start and you don't want to play from behind."

Read more: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/11322/1190765-66-0.stm?cmpid=steelers.xml#ixzz1e3y363XI
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Wha-Wha-Wha-What? What games has Dulac been watching? The defense was asked to save games five times this season because the offense couldn't "effectively seal the outcome."

The last line of the article says:

Quote :

The offense has been doing its part -- in a quick and timely fashion.

That's just it!! We don't want the offense to do its part in a quick and timely fashion, especially late in the second half when we have the lead. We need them to control the ball, kill the clock, and keep our defense off the field. If they score quickly, fine ... although that doesn't do much to keep the defense off the field. But too many times late in games, the only thing they seem to be doing quickly is going 3 and out.

Our offense plays well in the first half, but it's a completely different story in the second half.