Steelers Fall To Giants 20-16: Four Takeaways

Steelers Want More Run, Less Ben

Aug 9, 2014; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) reacts against the New York Giants during the first quarter at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports

So maybe it’s not entirely less Ben.  But, I think as we more and more get along the preseason, we will see a more balanced attack on the offensive side of the ball.  Ben Roethlisberger was in for only one series on Saturday night.  He passed the ball just twice and handed off the rest of the time.  The Steelers are moving away from a 60-40 pass/run ratio and moving closer to a 50-50 ratio.  Dale Lolley wrote a post game column that pointed that out, and I find it difficult to disagree with him.

That fact is going to tick a lot of Ben fans off.  The bubble screens won’t go away, and we will see a significant step backwards in his YPA – certainly things that won’t help his HOF case in about 8-10 years.  The running game is and will continue to get better.  The addition of LeGarrette Blount and the growth of LeVeon Bell are helping that move forward.  Like it or not and for better or for worse, Roethlisberger will be shouldering this offense a little less in 2014.  And, really, could you blame the Steelers?  Would you want guys like Gradkowski or Landry Jones shouldering Roethlisberger’s responsibilities?