We’ve previously discussed the potential change to a zone blocking scheme with the hire of Jack Bicknell Jr. But what core running plays would the team be leaving with the shift? For the last number of years, the bread and butter of the running game has been the Power O, a man blocking scheme with the backside guard pulling. Two examples today from two radically different formations. Personnel: Nickel Scheme: Power O Result: 12 Yard Gain by Redman Look from above. Pittsburgh ... Read More

When the Pittsburgh Steelers drafted Michigan State running back Le’Veon Bell in the second round of the 2013 NFL Draft it said a lot about the players on the roster. The Steelers clearly aren’t sold on Isaac Redman or Jonathan Dwyer being their long-term starting running back; so much so, in fact, that they spent a second round pick on a running back. That was, of course, never said in words by the Steelers front office, but their actions, as they say, speak louder than words. And those ... Read More

For most, offense and defense are the only aspects of football that get much fanfare. Special teams tends to take a backseat. To an extent, it’s understandable; outside of a few flashy return men, this group is made up of unsung heroes that barely register on the stat sheet. But don’t take them for granted. If you’re a fan, a bad day here can cost your team a victory (Steelers’ fans can certainly attest). If you’re Vince Williams or Terry Hawthorne trying to make a roster or keep your hat on ... Read More

In 2007, the Pittsburgh Steelers, after much speculation by fans and media alike, tapped a relatively unknown defensive backs coach as their new head coach.  Mike Tomlin grabbed the reigns of this storied franchise, and within two years had added yet another Lombardi trophy to the collection.  He can undoubtedly be considered a success by NFL standards; especially after guiding his team to yet another Super Bowl appearance just a few years later.  However, is this success a product of his ... Read More

Winning at the NFL level is all about tells. The tip offs in another team’s scheme. It’s the reason why coaches and players spend so much time in the film room and the payoff it brings when you discover them. In Week One of last year, the Steelers had opportunities to see one of the Broncos’ tells along the defensive line. They missed it, and it cost them. Above is the Steelers’ first pass of the game. 3rd and 14 completion to Mike Wallace. Straight four man rush from Denver. Very ... Read More

No matter what position you play, study film until see it in your sleep. It’ll pay off Sunday. Mention Peyton Manning and one of the first things you’ll hear back is his devotion to film study. And it’s his ability to prepare for that week’s opponent that makes him so successful. The end results of players who don’t take the time to break down film are all too common. But it isn’t just quarterbacks that need to grind away in front of film during the week. All 53 men on the roster stand to ... Read More

The Pittsburgh Steelers will open their 2013 training camp in just over a month. As things stand now the Steelers are trying to get back on track after a disappointing 8-8 season in 2012. To do so they will have to rely on some old faces and some new ones. As we move closer to the beginning to the 2013 NFL season here are important keys for Steelers fans to keep an eye on: Big Play from the 2007 Draft Class Last season the Steelers had only two players left from their 2007 draft class in ... Read More

The majority of our All 22 articles have been devoted to breaking down offenses. But when it comes to Pittsburgh, one of the first things to come to mind is Dick LeBeau’s famous zone blitz. He isn’t the father of the concept but can be credited with perfecting the scheme. Today, we’ll travel back to Week Four versus the Eagles on a play where the zone blitz worked as well as LeBeau could have drawn up in his 40 years of coaching. To start off, an aerial and end zone look at the Eagles’ ... Read More

When Chuck Noll retired following the 1991 season the Pittsburgh Steelers replaced him with a little-known coach who was only 34 years old. Bill Cowher was only the second Steelers head coach since the merger in 1970 and he held the head coaching job in Pittsburgh for the next 15 years. In 2005, Cowher led the Steelers to their second Super Bowl under his tenure and their first Super Bowl win since the 1970′s. A year later the Steelers struggled and Cowher retired from coaching. Once again the ... Read More

Situational football has become critical today. No moreso than in the red zone. Any contending team is capable of moving the ball between the 20’s but punching it in is what separates them. Today, a look at Week 13 between Baltimore and Pittsburgh. A classic look at a forced throw that cost the Steelers. Personnel: Quads Route: Miller Down the Seam Defense: Cover 3 “Sky” Result: Ed Reed Interception Something you’ll see a ton pre-snap is safety movement and rotation. The ultimate ... Read More