Can the Steelers protect their quarterback?

Transcription

1 Can the Steelers protect their quarterback? Page 1 of 3 Can the Steelers protect their quarterback? The offense starts with the Steelers' franchise player, Ben Roethlisberger, and if there is not a better overall scheme to protect him, then more displays like the one against the Jets await. Wednesday, November 21, 2007 By Ed Bouchette, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Peter Diana / Post-Gazette Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger sampling another turf sandwich served up by the Jets Sunday. New York dropped him seven times without too much of a fuss from the offensive line. Short of employing the Secret Service, Mike Tomlin made it a priority to protect the franchise that is Ben Roethlisberger. The coach read through a list of needs at his news conference yesterday that sounded as if he were shopping for Thanksgiving dinner. His top priority is to make sure Roethlisberger does not continue to become turkey for the guests. "We have to do a better job of protecting the quarterback," Tomlin said, "and the thing that we all have to understand as a football team is that it's not a five-man job in terms of protecting our quarterback, it is a unit job." Tomlin took aim not just at the offensive line, the popular target this week after the Jets sacked Roethlisberger seven times Sunday. He counted everyone, including the quarterback because at times he's not getting rid of the ball quickly enough. "Our failures in that area on Sunday were shared by all," Tomlin said. "We have to do a

2 Can the Steelers protect their quarterback? Page 2 of 3 better job of getting open at the wide receiver position, we have to do a better job of protecting up front, we have to do a better job of protecting at the running back position, we have to do a better job of deciphering what we're looking at and getting the ball out of our hands at the quarterback position. "That is a collective body of work and we fell short on Sunday." The Jets put an exclamation point on what has been a troubling trend. Their seven sacks were shocking because they had only nine before they played the Steelers, the fewest in the league. But others also feasted on Roethlisberger. He has been sacked 30 times, an average of three per game that, if it continues, would add up to 48 by the end of the season, if he lasts that long. He was sacked 46 times last season, which were the most a Steelers quarterback has been sacked since Cliff Stoudt hit the dirt 51 times in No Steelers quarterback was sacked more often than Stoudt and Roethlisberger in those two seasons, and now Roethlisberger is threatening to have two of the top three seasons for dubious quarterback marks in club history. Defenses developed a different way to rush Roethlisberger. Former coach Bill Parcells said on ESPN Monday that the Jets used a "spy" to make sure that Roethlisberger scrambled to his left and not his right. They also wanted to rush him from the side and not up the middle. Parcells attended the game against the Jets Sunday to help honor one of his former players, Curtis Martin. He said Jets coaches told him that Roethlisberger is most effective when he scrambles to his right, so they wanted to make sure that if he broke out of the pocket, it was to his left. They assigned one defender to always rush from the left side of the defense. Tomlin acknowledged as much and said it was nothing new. "Cleveland used Willie McGinest in a similar way and Ben was able to escape him," Tomlin said. "What the Jets did in that area, in terms of having someone along the line of scrimmage shadow him is nothing new. People know what he is capable of and we have seen that week in and week out." They likely will do more of it after the Jets' success. After turnovers, a sack is the most disruptive thing that can happen to an offense. It might not have been Leon Washington who won the game for the Jets in overtime with his 33-yard punt return to the Steelers' 26 but Dewayne Robertson. He sacked Roethlisberger for a 7-yard loss to the 14 on second-and-7 to set up the punt. "More than anything, a lot of our pressures have been happening on second down," Tomlin said. "It puts you behind the chains. It puts you in third-down situations that are less than ideal, to say the least. "We have been good offensively and I think the No. 1 third-down offense in the league, up over 50 percent converting them, because we've been in manageable third downs. That was not the case on Sunday and a lot of it had to do with getting sacked on second down. When you get in third-and-14, third-and-11 or third-and-17 and so forth, there is a chance for negative things to happen. That was the case on Sunday."

3 Can the Steelers protect their quarterback? Page 3 of 3 Ed Bouchette can be reached at ebouchette@post-gazette.com. First published on November 21, 2007 at 12:00 am

4 Steelers Notebook: Polamalu, Holmes listed as doubtful for Dolphins game Page 1 of 2 Steelers Notebook: Polamalu, Holmes listed as doubtful for Dolphins game Wednesday, November 21, 2007 By Ed Bouchette, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette The Steelers likely will be without two of their best starters when they play the Miami Dolphins Monday night at Heinz Field. Strong safety Troy Polamalu joins wide receiver Santonio Holmes on Mike Tomlin's doubtful list for the game. Polamalu has a sprained knee from the overtime loss Sunday against the New York Jets. Similar injuries kept wide receiver Hines Ward and defensive end Aaron Smith out for two games this season. Holmes has a high ankle sprain, an injury that can linger and has kept players out for a month or so. Cornerback Bryant McFadden missed three games this season with a high ankle sprain. Holmes is understood to have a mild version of the injury. Tyrone Carter will replace Polamalu at strong safety and Anthony Smith will stay at free safety. Smith replaced starter Ryan Clark, placed on injured reserve last week after his spleen was removed. Grant Mason, signed off the practice squad last week, is the only other safety on the team. Tomlin said starting cornerback Deshea Townsend is another possibility at safety if they need him. Townsend practiced extensively at safety in training camp. Tomlin said three wide receivers will be involved in replacing Holmes -- Cedrick Wilson, Nate Washington and Willie Reid. Wilson likely will start. It would be the second time Polamalu and Holmes miss a game together. They each did not play Oct. 7 against Seattle -- Polamalu had a rib injury and Holmes came down with a hamstring injury in pregame warm-ups. Tomlin did say that rookie linebacker LaMarr Woodley will try to practice today and if he practices throughout the week could play Monday. Woodley missed the game Sunday because of a hamstring injury. Townsend has swelling in an ankle and will be limited in practice today, Tomlin said. Things to improve Tomlin ticked off a list of areas in which he said his team needs to improve: Moving the ball in the final five minutes of the game.

5 Steelers Notebook: Polamalu, Holmes listed as doubtful for Dolphins game Page 2 of 2 "If we are going to be a good offensive team we've got to be able to get first down in critical junctures of the game, in the last five minutes of the game, is definitely one of them." Red Zone offense. Even though they rank third in the AFC at 57.9 percent scoring touchdowns inside the 20, the Steelers scored on their first three possessions of the second half Sunday, but all were field goals. "If we are going to be a great offense, we've got to score touchdowns as opposed to field goals in red zone situation." Interceptions. The Steelers are tied for last in the AFC with eight. "When we touch balls we've got to catch them." Tackle in bounds inside two minutes. "You change the face of two-minute football when you tackle people in bounds. And we didn't do a good enough job of that toward the end of regulation on Sunday." Tackling. Generally a good tackling team, they were not against the Jets. "I don't hope it is a one-game thing, I expect it to be a one-game thing." Special teams. The pooch kick worked, but "the reality is that if we are going to be a good football team we need to kick the ball away, we've got be able to run down, cover it and tackle people, on or inside the 20. That's what good teams do." Quick hits Ben Roethlisberger extended his streak of touchdown passes to 15 consecutive games with his 7-yard scoring toss Sunday to Holmes.... James Harrison is fourth among NFL linebackers with 7 1/2 sacks.... Asked how he will handle Thanksgiving tomorrow, Tomlin said, "We are going to come to work and we are going to be thankful that we have an opportunity to do so." Ed Bouchette can be reached at ebouchette@post-gazette.com. First published on November 21, 2007 at 12:00 am

6 Hoak a hit at holiday parades Page 1 of 2 Hoak a hit at holiday parades Wednesday, November 21, 2007 By Norm Vargo Pam Panchak/Post-Gazette Dick Hoak answers questions at a January news conference announcing his retirement. Mr. Hoak, a Jeannette High graduate who played in college at Penn State, said never leaving Western Pennsylvania was a bonus. Serving as grand marshal of a small-town holiday light-up night parade can be a humbling experience. Ask Dick Hoak. Mr. Hoak, a retired running back and assistant coach for the Steelers, is a Westmoreland County icon. Yet he took a back seat to Santa Claus last Thursday evening. As grand marshal, Mr. Hoak has helped attract large crowds to parades that opened the holiday shopping season in Irwin, Greensburg and his hometown, Jeannette. "Irwin enjoyed a record light-up night crowd," said borough council President Danyce Neal. "The weather was a bit dicey, but people turned out to see Dick Hoak." Following the hour-long parade through downtown Irwin, Mr. Hoak signed autographs in the lobby of the Irwin Bank & Trust Co. headquarters. A long line of fans formed and inched toward Mr. Hoak, of Hempfield, who will turn 68 Dec. 8. "As the crowd moved forward, I couldn't help noticing a young boy yanking impatiently at his mother's hand," Mr. Hoak recalled. "I smiled. I figured the kid was [eager] to get my autograph.

7 Hoak a hit at holiday parades Page 2 of 2 "When they got in front of me, the mother said, 'Son, meet Dick Hoak.' I stuck out my right hand to shake hands. "The kid gives me a look and looks at his mom. Suddenly, he pulls his hand away, hollers 'Santa' and takes off past me. "The kid didn't want to talk with an old football guy. I was upstaged by Santa Claus. "Being grand marshal was fun, though," said Mr. Hoak, a standout on Jeannette High School's WPIAL championship team in "I got a kick out of riding in a fancy convertible and seeing people waving and cheering." It is surprising that Mr. Hoak even accepted the invitations. He was in the NFL for 46 years, all with the Steelers: 10 as a player ( ) and 36 as an assistant. He retired 11 months ago. Throughout, Mr. Hoak preferred anonymity to the spotlight. "I was more comfortable [being a grand marshal] than I would be speaking before 1,000 people," he said. "But I'd bet a lot in the crowd, especially the younger ones, didn't even have a clue to who Dick Hoak is." Of course, Mr. Hoak wore a glittering Super Bowl ring during each parade. "The towns were also honoring the Steelers' 75th anniversary," he said. "I wanted people to get a look at a ring up close." Norm Vargo is a freelance writer. First published on November 22, 2007 at 12:00 am

8 Steelers have plenty to work on - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review Page 1 of 3 Steelers have plenty to work on By Scott Brown TRIBUNE-REVIEW Wednesday, November 21, 2007 Steelers coach Mike Tomlin opened his weekly news conference Tuesday by talking about an unsettling trend. The offense, he said, has struggled to move the ball late in close games. Not getting a couple of first downs in the fourth quarter almost cost the Steelers against Cleveland and did burn them in a overtime loss to the New York Jets on Sunday. "We're searching for answers," Tomlin said. One trend that Tomlin does not have to address for at least a couple of weeks is why the Steelers have played so poorly on the road. The team that entered the season with a record in road games this decade is just 2-3 in games away from Heinz Field. One of those victories came in the first week of the season, when the Steelers blasted the Browns in Cleveland, That annual game, however, is different from most road trips since Cleveland is close enough that the Steelers take buses. The three teams they have lost to on the road are a combined 12-18, and none has a winning record. "I don't know what it is," defensive end Brett Keisel said of the Steelers' road woes. "I wish I could put my finger on it so I could address it." Left guard Alan Faneca added: "We've always played well in that environment. It's something different." Correcting that problem is not foremost on the Steelers' minds, because they are at home the next two weeks. Also, there are plenty of other problems that need fixed before the Steelers visit the New England Patriots on Dec. 9. Tomlin addressed some of those problems yesterday, including what led to Ben Roethlisberger getting sacked seven times by the Jets.

9 Steelers have plenty to work on - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review Page 2 of 3 He said not all of the fault lies with the offensive line. Road weary The Steelers dominated the Browns in Cleveland on Sept. 9, but they have struggled on the road since that 34-7 win, losing three of the four games they have played away from Heinz Field. Here is a breakdown of the Steelers' averages in those games compared to the five games they have played at Heinz Field: Last 4 road games 5 games at Heinz Field 117 Rushing yards Passing yards Rushing yards allowed Passing yards allowed When asked if Roethlisberger is getting rid of the ball quickly enough on pass plays, Tomlin said, "In most instances, yes. In some instances, no. Just like the wide receivers are getting open in most instances but in some instances they aren't. "And the offensive line, most of the time they are blocking the correct people for an acceptable length of time; sometimes they're not. We need a higher level of consistency in all areas for us to function as an offense." If the Steelers' performance was lacking against the Jets, their effort appeared to be lackluster as well. That may have been the product of a letdown since the Steelers had played three consecutive games against division opponents. "I refuse to acknowledge that," Tomlin said. "That's the only way we're going to be great is if we understand that all these games are equally weighted. You've got to come to play. That's what great teams do." Great teams also win on the road Minus-2 Turnover margin Plus Points Points allowed 10.8 "It's obvious right now we're not one of those teams," Tomlin said. "As we move forward down the road we'll have an opportunity to address that issue, but it's not one that's dominating our thought and time right now." Scott Brown can be reached at sbrown@tribweb.com or

10 Steelers' Polamalu, Holmes unlikely to face Fish - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review Page 1 of 1 Steelers' Polamalu, Holmes unlikely to face Dolphins By Scott Brown TRIBUNE-REVIEW Wednesday, November 21, 2007 The Steelers figure to be without two of their top players Monday night when they host the Miami Dolphins. Mike Tomlin said at his weekly news conference that strong safety Troy Polamalu (sprained knee) and wide receiver Santonio Holmes (sprained ankle) are doubtful for the 8:30 p.m. game. "The reality is when you're talking about Santonio and Troy it's going to require multiple people to step up and fill the roles that they provide for us," Tomlin said Tuesday of the likelihood that the two won't play against the winless Dolphins. The Steelers are not particularly deep at either position, particularly at safety since Ryan Clark, who recently had his spleen removed, is out for the rest of the season. Tyrone Carter will start for Polamalu if he is unable to go Monday. Grant Mason, who was signed from the practice squad to take Clark's spot on the roster, could see playing time at safety, and starting cornerback Deshea Townsend is also an option at safety since he got a lot of work at the position during training camp. If Holmes, the Steelers' leader in every major receiving category, doesn't play, a combination of Cedrick Wilson, Nate Washington and probably Willie Reid will fill in for him, Tomlin said. LaMarr Woodley, who missed Sunday's game because of a strained hamstring, will practice today, Tomlin said. Unless the rookie outside linebacker misses significant practice time throughout the week, Tomlin said, he will play Monday. The Steelers will practice every day leading up to the Dolphins game. Tomlin said the practice schedule had been set before the Steelers' loss to the New York Jets and is not a response to how they played in last Sunday's game. "We don't make emotional responses based on the outcome of football games," Tomlin said. Scott Brown can be reached at sbrown@tribweb.com or Images and text copyright 2007 by The Tribune-Review Publishing Co. Reproduction or reuse prohibited without written consent from PghTrib.com

11 Tomlin's Take: Quotes from the press conference - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review Page 1 of 1 Tomlin's Take: Quotes from the press conference By The Tribune-Review Wednesday, November 21, 2007 On the success the Steelers had kicking short on kickoffs to keep the ball away from New York's Leon Washington last Sunday. "I made the point to the football team that that's just a Band-aid. The reality is if we're going to be a good football team we've got to be able to kick the ball away. We've got to be able to run down and tackle people on or inside the 20 (yard-line). That's what good teams do." On the Steelers having to make adjustments to playing on the the weathered playing surface at Heinz Field since five games will be contested on it Friday and Saturday. "You do but I think every team does. It's part of playing football in December and January when you play where we play. Teams that visit us I'm sure make the same adjustments. In regards to the field, as long as we deal with it better than our opponent, I love our field." On whether the Steelers' play-calling has been too conservative late in games and whether that has contributed to the team's struggles to move the ball. "You always open yourself up for criticism or evaluations when you're unsuccessful. We don't worry about that element of it. We focus on winning because when you win you don't have those questions." On being accountable for the Steelers' play since he is the head coach "I'm responsible for everything that goes on with this football team, and I accept it and wear it like a badge of honor." The Tribune-Review can be reached at or. Images and text copyright 2007 by The Tribune-Review Publishing Co. Reproduction or reuse prohibited without written consent from PghTrib.com

12 Steelers Q&A: Scott Brown answers your questions - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review Page 1 of 1 Steelers Q&A: Scott Brown answers your questions By Scott Brown TRIBUNE-REVIEW Wednesday, November 21, 2007 Tribune-Review Steelers writer Scott Brown answers your questions about the Pittsburgh Steelers. Q: Does Tomlin give 100 percent control of the offensive play calling to Bruce Arians? If so, does he not see the pattern of predictability? - Bill Waller, Las Vegas, NV A: Tomlin has plenty of input in regard to the offensive game plan every week. And while he entrusts the play-calling to Bruce Arians I m sure he makes suggestions during the course of a game. He talked at his weekly press conference about the struggles the Steelers have had moving the ball late in games the last two weeks. When I asked if conservative play-calling had anything to do with those struggles, he basically said that second-guessing is inevitable when teams are unsuccessful. In short, he didn t answer the question. Keep in mind, however, that the Steelers are on pace to score just over 430 points this season. That would eclipse the 416 points the Steelers scored in 1979, which is a team record, so Arians must be doing something right. Check out Scott's View from the Press Box blog entry for his latest take on the Pittsburgh Steelers.

13 Steelers' Ward must pay $48K to bar - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review Page 1 of 2 Steelers' Ward must pay $48K to bar By Bobby Kerlik TRIBUNE-REVIEW Wednesday, November 21, 2007 An Allegheny County judge Tuesday ordered Steelers receiver Hines Ward to pay $48,438 to a South Side bar that he co-owns with two others. Common Pleas Judge Christine Ward, who is not related to Hines Ward, appointed a third party to run the Locker Room Bar & Grille and manage its finances. A friend of Hines Ward, Korry Pitts, was ordered to pay $122,000 to the business. Pitts is married to Kimberly Pitts, who is named as an owner of the business, along with Nicholas Lettieri. The order stems from a lawsuit filed in September by Lettieri over the bar's finances and allegations of insurance fraud. The judge held a two-day hearing earlier this month on Lettieri's request that a third party be appointed to run the business. Lettieri has accused Ward and Korry Pitts of illegally diverting the business' money to personal bank accounts. The lawsuit is pending. Ward's attorney, Joseph Luvara, said his client asked Korry Pitts to buy two cars for him in the summer but that he did not know that Pitts used money from an account that Lettieri contends contained Locker Room funds. Hines Ward used Korry Pitts as an intermediary to buy cars, Luvara said. "Hines knew he was going to pay it to somebody, whether it was to Korry Pitts or to the Locker Room," Luvara said. "We acknowledge the debt. "Hines didn't know until the lawsuits were filed which bank account the money came from." Luvara said the money has been in his law firm's escrow account waiting for the judge to enter an order. Bruce Fox, who represents Lettieri, said the appointment of David Rudov as a receiver to run the business will protect the bar's finances. "The receiver ousts Korry Pitts and Hines Ward and prevents them from taking further money from the business -- whether it's money for cars or other funds,"

14 Steelers' Ward must pay $48K to bar - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review Page 2 of 2 Fox said. In his lawsuit, Lettieri claims Pitts and Ward failed to deposit cash receipts into the company accounts and have diverted the funds to personal bank accounts that Lettieri cannot access. Lettieri managed the daily operations before he was forced out by Korry Pitts, Fox has said. Luvara said Ward had virtually nothing to do with the day-to-day running of the business and no knowledge of monetary transactions. Thomas Castello, the attorney for the Locker Room, and David Slomski, Korry Pitts' attorney, did not return phone calls. Castello has said finances were proper and that no insurance fraud existed. Korry Pitts has said he was owed the money he took from the business accounts as reimbursement for money he put into the business when a boiler exploded in February, flooding the bar. The bar will remain open, Fox said. Bobby Kerlik can be reached at bkerlik@tribweb.com or Images and text copyright 2007 by The Tribune-Review Publishing Co. Reproduction or reuse prohibited without written consent from PghTrib.com

15 .: Print Version :. Page 1 of 2 Print Page WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 21, 2007 :: Last modified: Wednesday, November 21, :07 AM EST Polamalu, Holmes doubtful for Miami game ByMike Bires, Times Sports Staff PITTSBURGH For the second time this season, the Steelers will play a game with two high-profile players sidelined with injuries. Still, coach Mike Tomlin doesn t expect anything less than a victory Monday night when the winless Miami Dolphins come to town. This is a team and this is the ultimate team game, Tomlin said Tuesday at his weekly press conference. As we always say, the guys we play with represent the Pittsburgh Steelers, and the standard of expectations is not going to change. The men who play for us on Monday will be held to the same standards as those who they are replacing. As the Steelers (7-3) try to rebound from Sunday s stunning loss to the New York Jets, the men who won t be playing are wide receiver Santonio Holmes and strong safety Troy Polamalu. Holmes suffered a high ankle sprain in the overtime setback at Giants Stadium. That makes him doubtful at best, Tomlin said. Meanwhile, Polamalu is likely to sit out at least one game because of a knee sprain. It s probably going to make him doubtful, Tomlin said of Polamalu. The last time they were hit by a rash of injuries, the Steelers responded admirably. On Oct. 7 when the Seattle Seahawks visited Heinz Field, sitting out were Holmes (hamstring) and fellow starting wide receiver Hines Ward (knee), nose tackle Casey Hampton (hamstring) and Polamalu (strained rib cartilage). Still, the Steelers won with ease, Even though Tomlin didn t officially rule out Holmes and Polamalu for Monday night s game, it s highly unlikely they ll play. After all, the Dolphins are 0-10 and the Steelers are 5-0 at home this year. Earlier this year, Ward missed two games with a sprained knee, while backup cornerback Bryant McFadden missed three games with his high ankle sprain. Holmes, the Steelers No. 1 pick in last year s NFL Draft, leads the Steelers in receptions (39), receiving yards (664) and touchdown catches (seven). Polamalu, the Steelers No. 1 pick in the 03 draft, has made the Pro Bowl after each of the last three seasons.

16 .: Print Version :. Page 2 of 2 Starting in place of Holmes will likely be Nate Washington, who started in Holmes spot against Seattle. Washington has caught 12 passes so far this season for 195 yards and two TDs. Starting for Polamalu will be Tyrone Carter, who has played in every game this year, primarily on the special teams. But due to the season-ending spleen ailment suffered by free safety Ryan Clark, Carter s playing time has increased the past four week in nickel and dime packages used on obvious passing downs. The reality is that when you re talking about Santonio and Troy, it s going to require multiple people to step up and fill the roles they provide for us, Tomlin said. So we look forward to seeing those guys (like Washington and Carter) step up and deliver for us. Mike Bires can be reached online at mbires@timesonline.com

17 Lack of protection exposes Steelers Page 1 of 2 Lack of protection exposes Steelers By F. Dale Lolley, Staff writer dlolley@observer-reporter.com In the past two weeks, the Steelers have faced two teams - the Browns and Jets - that had a combined 16 sacks in their previous 17 games. Yet those two teams have recorded 11 sacks against Ben Roethlisberger, including seven by the Jets in Sunday's improbable overtime win over the Steelers. That's the same Jets team that entered the game with a 1-8 record. "I have all the confidence in the world in those guys," said Roethlisberger of his offensive line. "That's not going to waver and it never will. I'm never going to sit there and look at the rush and think twice about anything. When I drop back to pass, I have all the confidence in the world that those guys are going to get it done." The problem is the line hasn't been getting it done. At 7-3, the Steelers still hold a one-game lead over Cleveland in the AFC North race, having swept the season series from the Browns. Unless they fix their protection problems, Roethlisberger may not make it though the season intact. Not only was he sacked seven times Sunday, he was hurried or hit on nine other occasions. And it's not just a one-game anomaly. Roethlisberger has been sacked 30 times, putting him on pace for 48 this season, which would be two more than last year. Those 46 sacks were the most for any quarterback in the NFL last season. "You can finger-point," said Steelers coach Mike Tomlin. "But we're all responsible. That's the reality of football. That's what a team is. We win together, and we stink it up together." There is no doubt the offensive line woes have become too big of a problem to overlook and some lineup changes might be in order. Left tackle Marvel Smith and left guard Alan Faneca would seem to be secure, but Tomlin could look to shake things up on the right side of the line, where guard Kendall Simmons and tackle Willie Colon won training camp battles over Chris Kemoeatu and Max Starks, respectively. The Steelers also could look to replace center Sean Mahan. Simmons and Colon worked there in camp. Barring a change like that, there isn't much the Steelers can do other than adjust the type of routes the receivers run. That could make a difference. Roethlisberger admitted there were times against the Jets he could not find an open receiver. "A couple of those sacks were definitely coverage sacks," he said. "There were a couple times when I

18 Lack of protection exposes Steelers Page 2 of 2 tried to just tuck and get a yard. It was tough because they did some good things in the secondary, covering up our guys." New York did things the Steelers hadn't seen before, such as using defensive end Shaun Ellis as an outside linebacker to keep Roethlisberger in the pocket. The Jets then used a spy to keep Roethlisberger from escaping the pocket. "A lot of different things were breaking down," said Faneca. "It seemed like it was something different every time.... They did a lot of pinching with the defensive ends on third down, and they were (shadowing Roethlisberger) with a linebacker, mirroring him." And the Steelers never did adjust. "It just seemed like something different on every play," Simmons said. Copyright Observer Publishing Co.

19 Steelers' run game more like a crawl Page 1 of 2 Steelers' run game more like a crawl By F. Dale Lolley, Staff writer dlolley@observer-reporter.com PITTSBURGH - Though Willie Parker ranks second in the NFL with 925 rushing yards rushing, the Steelers' running game has been stuck in neutral. In the past three games, Parker has gained only 199 yards on 69 attempts, a mere 2.9 yards per carry. The Steelers (7-3) have won two of those three games, but the lack of a consistent rushing attack became apparent in the overtime loss Sunday to the New York Jets. Pittsburgh was faced with third down and more than five yards to go a whopping 11 times. The Steelers, who entered the game as the NFL's leader in third down conversions, recorded a first down on just two of those 11 occasions. "That's why it's important to have a good running game, so that you don't get behind the chains. When you do, the defense has a chance to make plays," Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin said. "We thrive under those circumstances. That's why stopping the run is so big for us. If you can snuff out the run, you can put people behind the chains and get after the quarterback." That's exactly what the Jets did, sacking Ben Roethlisberger seven times, five of which came on third downs. With Parker averaging only 2.5 yards per carry on his 21 attempts, Tomlin gave backup Najeh Davenport eight carries against the Jets. He responded with 39 yards. Tomlin, however, said that wasn't because Davenport was being more effective than Parker, rather the result of how Davenport was used. "We've got to be able to run the football as a team," Tomlin said. "Najeh is a legitimate playmaker. He was able to give us some runs." But it's quite possible that Parker is beginning to feel the effects of carrying the ball an NFL-high 233 times. Arizona's Edgerrin James is second in carries with 204. Tomlin has said he will run Parker until the "wheels come off." It's possible that's happening. "We've got to get Willie going," Tomlin said. "It's not all Willie. It's all of us. Just like Najeh getting five yards a pop isn't necessarily Najeh, it's the type of running plays we called for him. "We've got to do a better job being consistent when we're running the ball. That includes Willie. That includes Najeh. That includes Carey Davis." That could be especially important this week when the Steelers host Miami Monday night. Tomlin said second-year wide receiver Santonio Holmes is doubtful to play after suffering a high ankle sprain Sunday. Holmes leads the Steelers in receptions (39), receiving yards (667) and touchdowns (7).

20 Steelers' run game more like a crawl Page 2 of 2 Veterans Cedrick Wilson and Nate Washington will replace Holmes, with Wilson likely getting his first start of the season. Odds and end zones Strong safety Troy Polamalu also is listed as doubtful with a sprained knee. Polamalu will be replaced in the lineup by Tyrone Carter.... With starting free safety Ryan Clark already out for the season, the Steelers are down two safeties. The could move cornerback Deshea Townsend to safety. Townsend worked extensively at free safety during training camp.... Rookie linebacker LaMarr Woodley is listed as probable after missing Sunday's game with a hamstring injury. Copyright Observer Publishing Co.

21 Sorry NFL, but getting games to fans is your responsibility - USATODAY.com Page 1 of 1 Sorry NFL, but getting games to fans is your responsibility By Michael Hiestand, USA TODAY Leagues and networks constantly come up with stuff viewers didn't know they needed. Like the quickly defunct XFL. Or, as ESPN announced Tuesday, live New Year's Eve coverage of motorcyclist Robbie Maddison trying to jump the length of a football field and driver Rhys Millen attempting "the first-ever 360-degree back flip of an off-road truck traveling some 50 feet high." But take away things viewers have already, and you're a true villain. Like NBC, when it figured viewers don't have to see entire games and ended up with the infamous 1968 Heidi Bowl. Or Major League Baseball, which figured viewers didn't need access anymore to the League Championship Series in both leagues and played those series simultaneously to try to pump up ratings on its (inevitably short-lived) Baseball Network. And while NFL fans have always lived without access to out-of-market TV games on cable TV, MLB faced waves of wrath that rippled all the way to the U.S. Senate when it tried to take its out-of-market games off cable and put them on satellite TV and wound up putting them on both. Digg del.icio.us Newsvine Reddit Facebook What's this? Now the NFL Network, kicking off its second season of airing eight games with Indianapolis Colts-Atlanta Falcons on Thanksgiving night, is trying not to be cast as taking anything back though many fans won't see its game because it's not available to them. DISCUSS: Who's to blame in NFL Network controversy? Commissioner Roger Goodell, on a conference call Tuesday, relentlessly reiterated the league understands many fans might feel infuriated at missing, say, the NFL Network's marquee Green Bay Packers-Dallas Cowboys game next week and the New England Patriots' finale when the team might be playing for an undefeated season. But don't, he stressed, blame the NFL; blame cable operators who won't carry the network without putting it on pay tiers who are not being fair to the fans. "Our goal is simply to bring more football to fans," he said. In talking points mirroring "Truth About Cable Monopolies" offered on nfl.com, Goodell implied the responsibility of letting viewers see the NFL's biggest games apparently rests not with the league but with various corporate cable operators. NBC's John Madden on Tuesday suggested that's a new approach for the league: "To have a game of any magnitude and people not be able to see it, that's not what the NFL is all about. That has to be fixed." Goodell noted the league is trying to build a network that offers football or at least football yak year-round. And it offers at least a semi-national NFL Network platform for games that might have wound up available to even less of the USA if they were on Fox or CBS' Sunday afternoon regionalized coverage. In fact, Goodell added, "We're doing this in the best interest of fans, at the end of the day. We believe we're standing up for our fans." That should be comforting to viewers in Texas and Wisconsin, who've had constant access to Packers and Cowboys game but don't have a cable operator who'll carry next week's showdown. It's pointless for the NFL to try to shame cable operators, as they have no interest in any programming let alone NFL games except how to make money off it. And for all the tit-for-tat between the NFL and cable operators including the request for government intervention from a league that already enjoys a big fat antitrust exemption only one side is truly responsible for how TV viewers consume the NFL: the NFL. David Cohen, an executive at Comcast, which is the USA's biggest cable operator and an NFL Network antagonist, noted something indisputable: "While the NFL claims that it wants its games to be seen by the widest possible audiences, it's actually their rules that limit which games fans can watch. It's the NFL that decided to take these eight games off of free broadcast television and to try to enrich themselves at the expense of their fans by creating a multibillion dollar asset called the NFL Network." Spice rack: About 200 military members will be in Fox's NFL studio Thursday, with some getting on-air cameos. They might get ideas for helmet technology from JimmyJohnson's hair. CBS golf reporter David Feherty is in Baghdad for a USO tour to visit "forward operations" and talk golf "they'll be plenty of opportunities for bunker shots." He says, "The one thing that really bothers me is that I'm not allowed to carry a gun" although it likely doesn't bother others. And he isn't fazed by potential sectarian violence: "Remember, I'm from Belfast. It's not a problem for me."

22 SI.com - NFL - Steelers may be without Polamalu, Holmes for multiple games - Tuesday... Page 1 of 2 Steelers may lose Polamalu, Holmes Safety, receiver both hurt, could miss multiple games Posted: Tuesday November 20, :51PM; Updated: Tuesday November 20, :20PM PITTSBURGH (AP) -- Steelers strong safety Troy Polamalu and wide receiver Santonio Holmes seem certain to miss at least one game and possibly more with injuries from a surprise loss to the New York Jets. Polamalu sprained a knee and Holmes injured ankle ligaments during a overtime loss Sunday, one of the NFL's biggest upsets this season. Both are listed as doubtful for Monday night's home game against Miami (0-10). Although coach Mike Tomlin wouldn't list either player as out, he talked Tuesday as if neither would play. Both injuries are the type that can sideline players for multiple games. Tomlin called them "two significant injuries." Holmes has a sprain in his upper right ankle, or injured ligaments between the two major bones of the lower leg at ankle level. While Holmes' sprain is mild, the injury is typically much worse than a regular sprain and can keep a player out for three to four weeks. Holmes' absence would be a major setback to an offense that managed only one touchdown and 151 yards passing against the Jets (2-8), who had previously won only one game. It also takes away quarterback Ben Roethlisberger's top deep threat. Holmes, a first-round draft pick in 2006, leads the division-leading Steelers (7-3) in receptions (39), touchdown catches (7) and average gain per catch (17 yards). Tomlin wouldn't choose a replacement starter for Holmes, saying Nate Washington, Cedrick Wilson and possibly Willie Reid would divide playing time. Washington had two TD catches Nov. 5 against Baltimore and is the only Steelers wide receiver other than starters Holmes and Hines Ward with a touchdown reception. Tyrone Carter will start for Polamalu, and cornerback Deshea Townsend can also play safety if needed, Tomlin said. "It's going to require multiple people to step up and fill the roles they provide for us, which is great," Tomlin said. "This is a team, and it's the ultimate team game. We're looking forward to these guys stepping up and delivering for us." The Steelers have been relatively injury free most of the season, but are currently without both starting safeties. Free safety Ryan Clark (spleen) went on injured reserve last week, with Anthony Smith starting the last four games in his place.

23 SI.com - NFL - Steelers may be without Polamalu, Holmes for multiple games - Tuesday... Page 2 of 2 While Polamalu is having a down season statistically, with no interceptions or sacks and one fumble recovery, his ability to shift positions from play to play is an important element of Pittsburgh's leagueleading defense. Opposing coaches talk constantly of adjusting to Polamalu, who may line up as a pass-rushing linebacker on one play or in deep zone coverage on the next. Despite Sunday's loss, the Steelers are allowing an average of 40 fewer yards per game than any other team. While Tomlin wouldn't say specifically the Steelers were flat and unprepared mentally to play the Jets, it was obvious he felt there was a letdown. Several players talked afterward of the team being flat. "I don't want our level of preparation this week to be a response to last week's performance," Tomlin said. "I want it to be because we have a football game to play. That's the only way we're going to be great, is that we understand all of these games are equally weighted, and every time you take the field you've got to come to play. That's what great teams do." The offensive line wasn't the only culprit in Roethlisberger's seven sacks, according to Tomlin, who said the quarterback must get rid of the ball sooner at times. "It's not a five-man job in terms of protecting our quarterback, it's a unit's job," Tomlin said. "We need to do a better job of getting open. We need to do a better job of protecting up front. We need to do a better job of protecting at the running back's position. We have to do a better job of deciphering what we're looking at and getting the ball out of our hands." The Steelers won't do anything specific this week to address their road problems -- they are 5-0 at home and 2-3 on the road _ because their next two games are at home. "As a coach, your level of expectation is they are wired and ready to play on a weekly basis," Tomlin said. "That's what this business is about. The reality is sometimes that's not the case. Their play is usually an indication of that." Copyright 2007 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.