What has made the difference for the Steelers this year?

LionPride · Post by **LionPride** » November 7th, 2004, 5:21 pm

Who do you think has made the biggest impact for the Steelers this year? They've already surpassed last years win total half way through the season.

I'll take Dick Lebeau. The defensive turnaround with mostly the same players has been night and day. The offensive line has been playing tremendous as well.

CRLionDawg · Post by **CRLionDawg** » November 7th, 2004, 5:27 pm

If you keep trying long enough eventually you will get it right. In this case the Steelers were darn lucky to end up with Big Ben. I mean darn lucky.

ham55 · Post by **ham55** » November 7th, 2004, 5:35 pm

Everybody up there has been a big reason for the success this year. The offensive line, first and foremost. They have been moving people all year, and just mauling opposing lines night in and night out.

thebackwall · Post by **thebackwall** » November 7th, 2004, 5:44 pm

Yes I agree, the front line has created huge holes for the RBs and they have also given Big Ben time to find his receivers. Also I love Hines Ward so I'll have to mention him! :lol:

LionPride · Post by **LionPride** » November 7th, 2004, 5:49 pm

[quote="CRLionDawg";p="71060"]If you keep trying long enough eventually you will get it right. In this case the Steelers were darn lucky to end up with Big Ben. I mean darn lucky.[/quote]

I agree. Every year you have 2 or 3 QB's coming out that are talked about as the next coming. Maybe 1 of them actually ends up being pretty good. It's very likely that the 3rd one chosen will end up being the best. It's hard to say though at this point, because we haven't seen Manning or Rivers play. I can't imagine them doing better though.

However, with the improved play of the O-line, they are making him better because of the improved running game (did you see some of those holes!) and better pass protection. Not taking anything away from Ben, but that does help tremendously.

But I keep coming back to LeBeau. How long has it been since it's been this much fun watching the Steelers? I always love to watch great defenses, and these guys are just swarming to the ball and confusing offensives. They are forcing teams to go 3 and out, and time of possession wins can not only be credited to the offense. Chad Scott getting hurt is addition by subtraction. Burnt Alexander, Fly By Dewayne, and Jason "Pile On" Gildon are gone. There is now some speed on the defense and guys that want to play hard. It's fun to watch them on defense again. When was the last time Steeler fans could say that?

Post by **Eaglealum** » November 7th, 2004, 5:53 pm

Combination of the O-line being healthier and much improved, Lebeau,obviously has been huge, and attitude. If they believe they are more physical, 90% of the time they will be.Not 1 thing inparticular, but those three stand out the most.

NBCsportsman09 · Post by **NBCsportsman09** » November 7th, 2004, 6:15 pm

Roethlisberger!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

nbsportsplayer11 · Post by **nbsportsplayer11** » November 7th, 2004, 6:17 pm

Big Ben is the main person but all of the other ones are just as good!

Post by **Coach** » November 7th, 2004, 7:31 pm

With the Oline injuries of last year, Big Ben or Duce wouldn't be doing what they are doing now.

Last year the OL was beat up...and they were beat up bad! The experience gained by younger guys and backups and the newfound health thus far has been the BIGGEST difference in my opinion. Without the OL this team is getting smacked in the face. Bettis last year vs. Bettis today and last week should show you the OL is the key. Last year, they gave him nothing...the last two weeks he has over 200 rushing yards and it isn't because he got faster, younger, or slimmer...

HOLLYWOOD · Post by **HOLLYWOOD** » November 7th, 2004, 7:47 pm

I think Duce and Big Ben make this team click!! The team looked tough today vs the Eagles.

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