Problem 2: Offense
Ben Roethlisberger has been an average quarterback until the Jags game, in which he was horrific. His confidence appears shot, his throws are off and his timing with his receivers is not there. He needs to do a couple of things; look in the mirror and remember who he is and what he’s done, practice extra with his receivers and tight ends (yes, they exist, Ben) and remember that Antonio Brown is not his only option.
Brown needs to remember he’s not the only player on the team. If he gets his catches, he doesn’t care if the team loses. He needs to become a team leader, like Hines Ward used to be and begin to mentor Martavis Bryant and JuJu-Smith Schuster.
Solution: The offensive line needs to stay on their blocks, open holes for the running game and give Ben time to throw. They have done none of that very well this year.
Bell needs to find a better way to run, his patient attack may have finally been figured out. He may need to try to burst through the holes immediately.
Problem 3: Defense
Surprisingly, the defense has been the best of the bunch but they aren’t without their issues. They give up the run way too easily, the secondary is still not trustworthy and they aren’t making too many impact plays thus far.
Solution: The linebacking rotation needs to change. For starters, James Harrison needs to dress, let alone play. He can make an impact out there vs. the run, vs. the pass and make the splash plays needed. Bud Dupree should be benched in favor of Harrison.
The defense needs to tame the rush as well, it’s costing them too many big plays right now. Drop back, stop the run, defend the pass and go for turnovers that way vs. sacks that are relatively elusive lately.
These are just the most glaring of the many issues the team has and they better hope to improve upon at least some of these when they face the Chiefs in Kansas City on Sunday, Oct. 15. If they don’t, they will be staring 3-3 right in the face.
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