The Steelers will have a shot at a Super Bowl title this year. Here’s why making a few simple decisions could help them earn their seventh Lombardy Trophy.
If I were writing this article two weeks earlier, I wouldn’t have a lot of positives things to say about the Steelers Super Bowl chances this year. From Week 12 to Week 15, Pittsburgh went 1-4, and their offense averaged a dismal 17.0 points per game. It appeared the same was about to happen last week against the Indianapolis Colts before the offense kicked it into gear for a comeback win.
While this encouraging, it’s hardly enough proof that Pittsburgh’s offense will be without its struggles in the playoffs. But there is a way the Steelers can make sure that hot streak under Ben Roethlisberger continues. Here are three simple decisions Mike Tomlin and his crew can make to improve their Super Bowl chances this year:
Let Ben Roethlisberger call the shots
There were reports that Ben Roethlisberger took control of the offense late in the game against the Colts in Week 16, which could be why we saw a remarkably high number of passes down the field. As a result of this downfield offense, Pittsburgh scored 21 points in the second half to lock up an all-important win to secure the AFC North.
If this really was Ben’s decision to expand the offense, this must continue heading into the playoffs. Defenses have really caught on to what Randy Fichtner has been trying to do on offense. While I agree that it is important to protect Roethlisberger, it can’t come at the expense of not moving the chains. Giving Roethlisgberger the reigns earlier in the game will need to happen if the Steelers want to improve their Super Bowl odds this year.