Steelers had No. 1 Offense Once since '70

Good morning,

Over the past 44 seasons, or since the 1970 merger between the NFL and the AFL, the Steelers offense finished No. 1 in total yards in the league once. That occurred in 1979, when they won their fourth Super Bowl.

This week, the Steelers offense climbed to No. 1 again in total yards. They rank No. 6 as a team in points scored, including four defensive touchdowns. Also in 1979, they finished No. 2 on defense. Today, they rank 19th in total defense.

In 1979, the Steelers averaged 391.1 yards per game over 16 games (they finished 12-4). Through 14 games this season, they average 424.9 yards per game – nearly 34 yards more per game on offense. The Steelers also led the league in scoring points in 1979 with 416, an average of 26 per game. Today, they have 389 points, an average of 27.8 per game.

Those offensive stats reflect the changes in the game. Even though major rules changes went into effect in 1978 to aid the offense, many more rules have been past since to help the offense, as have the way officials now call unnecessary roughness, etc. So while the Steelers could average 26 points per game and lead the NFL in 1979, their 27.8 average this year ranks No. 6.

One more interesting comparison: That 1979 Steelers team that went on to win the franchise’s fourth Super Bowl finished the regular season with minus-10 in turnover differential! That is unheard of for a championship team.

The Steelers have not done well in recent seasons in that category and have not had a positive turnover differential since 2010, when they last reached the Super Bowl. Last season it was minus-four, it was minus-10 in 2012 and minus-13 in 2011, which makes it incredible that they went 11-5 that season, although they boasted the No. 1 defense in fewest yards allowed.

They have turned the tide slightly this season but still have a minus-one in turnover differential, which ranks tied for 15th worst in the league. As their 1979 team and even their one from 2011 shows, you can still have good season with minus turnover differential. But it helps if you have the No. 1 or No. 2 defense.

--- A look at the Steelers offense through Kansas City eyes.

--- And Randy Covitz of the KC Star takes another look at the new-fangled Steelers. 

--- Jim Corbett of USA Today is in town to cover the Steelers this week and writes today about Le’Veon Bell.

--- Onto a handful of your Ask Ed questions:

--- YOU: What are the chances of the Steelers targeting a CB in free agency this year, especially with Colbert never having drafted a CB in the first round? Specifically, Byron Maxwell from Seattle.

ED: It depends on how much it would cost them. They did sign a free agent cornerback this year, Brice McCain and he has started seven of their past eight games. He also helped them win a game in Jacksonville with his interception for a touchdown. They signed him for just one year at a total of $795,000 so he came cheap. That is the kind of cornerback they will have to find again in free agency, not one that will come at a high price, especially after they gave Cortez Allen a big contract this year.

--- YOU: Question: Is there a systemic issue/problem with Steelers’ scouting/assessment of cornerbacks as contrasted with their success with wideouts?

Recent corners (last 5 years): Shaquille Richardson; Terry Hawthorne; Terrence Frederick; Curtis Brown; Cortez Allen; Crezdon Butler; Keenan Lewis; Joe Burnett.

Recent wideouts (last 5 years): Martavis Bryant; Markus Wheaton; Justin Brown; Toney Clemons; Emmanuel Sanders; Antonio Brown; Mike Wallace.

Summary: 2 contributors out of 8 corners picked and both contributors (Allen, Lewis) ultimately mis-assessed. 5 or 6 contributors out of 7 wideouts picked and 3 (Sanders, Brown, Wallace) with at least 1 Pro Bowl level performance year. Your thoughts?

ED: Cornerbacks are inherently more difficult to evaluate while playing in college than are receivers, who are among the easiest to do so. Corners have to have the ball thrown their way, first of all, and that may happen only a handful of times in a game. The Steelers also have put major stock in a cornerback’s ability to tackle and to stick his nose in a running back sweeping his way. I covered them when Deion Sanders was playing and they quietly sneered at how he shied away from doing that. However, in this day it’s time they changed that approach, if they already have not. They need a good cover corner, I think that’s universally agreed upon by fans, the media and them. Someone in there told me they needed two cornerbacks next year. The problem is, it looks as though they will not be drafting in the top half of the first round, which is when you usually find the great corners. This year, had the Chicago Bears not drafted cornerback Kyle Fuller at No. 14, the Steelers may have done so at No. 15.

--- YOU: I saw the recent questions and answers about moving Shazier to safety. I don't really have an opinion on that particular move, but what are your thoughts on moving him to OLB after this season? Chances are Worlids will be gone and we have a decent rotation in the middle between Timmons, Williams, and Spence. Setting the edge with his current size wouldn't be easy (i.e. he'd have to bulk up), but we'd have great athleticism and speed on the field. Plus, I believe he was considered and inside/outside prospect coming out of the draft. Thanks.

ED: As you mentioned, I don’t think he is big enough to play on the outside and go against 330 pound tackles. He is just not built that way.

--- YOU: Prior to a snap, the quarterback looks the defense formation and would change the play if need be. Then, does the defensive coordinator notice the change and call a different formation?

ED: No, there is not enough time. Plus, how would the defense know what play the quarterback called unless it was New England in the last decade? Sometimes the linebacker or safety can adjust some of the defense if the offense switches formations, and you will see them automatically adjust when a man on offense goes in motion.