‘the Sky is the limit’
PITTSBURGH – Targeted as an Achilles’ heel the last few years, the Steelers’ offensive line is playing as if it has had an extreme makeover. But there’s been no grand makeover. The line is largely the same group of much-maligned guys who had allowed quarterback Ben Roethlisberger to be sacked 261 times in his last 88 regular-season games entering this season. After a 27-12 victory Sunday over Washington, Roethlisberger has been sacked only 13 times in seven games. He was not sacked by the Redskins, the second game in which Pittsburgh protected its quarterback from start to finish. More importantly, just eight of those sacks have come in the Steelers’ last six games as the offensive line has gotten more comfortable with new offensive coordinator Todd Haley’s system. “Everybody wants to jump on them when they are not playing good, but not (give them credit) when they are playing great,” said Roethlisberger. “They are doing such a good job of playing together, opening holes in the run game and protecting in the pass game.” The offensive line will face a big test Sunday when the Steelers (4-3) play at the New York Giants (6-2). Led by Jason Pierre-Paul’s 5 1/2 sacks, the Giants get a consistent pass rush and have accounted for 21 sacks. New York’s front four forces opposing quarterbacks to throw the ball before they’d like, helping the Giants record 16 interceptions, which is tied with Chicago for the most in the NFL. Haley’s scheme, which emphasizes short pass routes and a simplified blocking plan, could make a difference. “I think we’re blocking cleaner up front as an offensive line,” said tackle Max Starks. “But our assignments – the way we do things – have been more concrete. “Before, depending on the defense, our assignments changed. I think that put everybody on edge, forced Ben to scramble more and move defenses with his feet. This year, it’s very cut and dried for us up front in terms of how we I.D. how we block and who we block. It makes it easier for us, and it makes it easier for him.” Roethlisberger has flourished in this offense. His passer rating of 101.4 is fourth-best in the NFL, while his three interceptions are tied with New England’s Tom Brady for fewest among quarterbacks with at least 250 passes. And the rushing attack has been re-energized in recent weeks. After gaining only 195 rushing yards in their first three games, the Steelers have 486 yards in the last four games, including 140 against the Redskins. It all starts up front with the offensive line. That’s just fine for a group that is gaining confidence. “The sky is the limit for this offense,” said guard Willie Colon. “When we’re on and everybody is out there hunting and getting after guys, that’s our identity. “We’ve got a great quarterback. We know that. It comes down to us. We’ve just got to do our job.”
Rookie guard David DeCastro, the Steelers’ top draft pick, could return to practice this week. DeCastro was put on eight-week Injured Rerserve at the beginning of the season after suffering a knee injury in the final preseason game. … Kicker Shaun Suisham has made 16 of 17 field goal attempts, with the only miss coming from 54 yards. … The NFL pushed its trade deadline back two days to Thursday because of potential problems resulting from Hurricane Sandy. … The Steelers activated rookie nose tackle Alameda Ta’amu from their reserve/suspended list. Ta’amu was suspended for two games after an arrest for DUI and other charges three weeks ago. The Steelers have until Wednesday to make a roster move with Ta’amu.