Spreading Out the Steelers Defense

OK...here it comes - the recipe for beating the Steelers.  Go 3WR and spread them out.  At least, this is what some analysts, like Charlie Casserly, are saying.  There is a reason for this.  The Patriots have used this scheme in 2003 and 2004 to defeat the Steelers pretty handily.  However, it has not worked very well recently, and here is why:

1.  The Steeler pass rush is much improved this season with Harrison/Woodley/Timmons.  It used to be that the Steelers were a blitzing defense (Blitzburgh), especially in the 90's.  This squad can get pressure with only 4 rushers, leaving 7 to cover.  They come from different angles, but most of the time (75%) Lebeau sends 4. We'll talk about coverage schemes later...this point is about pressure with 4.  The pressure usually requires a RB or TE to help out blocking.  So, this leaves 4 guys in the pattern against 7 defenders.  When a RB or TE stays in to block, this frees up a defender to free lance or to double.  This caused Polamalu's big INT vs the Ravens.  He was man up against Heap, who stayed in to block.  This freed up Troy to read Flacco, and get the pick 6.

2.  The Steelers corners are much better, particularly the depth.  Taylor can cover the best WRs in man coverage.  Townsend can take the number two, and McFadden can cover the 3rd WR.  This leaves Gay for dime alignments.  Usually, the Steelers had one good corner, one average corner, and one that looked like burnt toast.  Not this squad - they have the depth to hang.

3.  The Steelers most often use a 2-4-5 set to counter 3WR sets. The Steelers have two guys that really make a big difference in coverage in this alignment:  Polamalu and Timmons.  Timmons has the speed to chase down RBs and WRs, or to come on the pass rush.  We all know what Troy does.  These two have the speed to erase coverage mistakes.

4.  Tomlin has brought a lot of cover 2 to the defensive schemes, and his experience as a D-back coach has paid dividends.  Lebeau still has the overloads and zone blitz schemes, but now they are backed with DBs playing lights-out cover 2 or cover 3.

Notice that the Patriots did not have much success passing with spreading the Steelers out (they had a couple big draws though).  No team has had consistent success.  Not Dallas, SD, NE or any other offense.  The Steelers have shut down Moss, Welker, Andre Johnson, T.O., Housh, Ocho Cinco, and Plexico.  Fitz and Boldin are a special pair, so the Steelers have their work cut out for them.  I think though, that they can slow down the Cards passing game enough to win, even if the Cards spread them out.