Conservative approach sends Steelers packing

Flipping through ESPN Magazine last week, I came across a rather interesting statistical breakdown of each post season head coach, to numerically reveal their style. Aggressiveness index is what grabbed my eye. Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin ranks as the least aggressive coach in football. Also, when Tomlin has a lead in the fourth quarter, 80% of his plays have been rushes–the most in football. Let’s face it. Some guys like to play it safe rather than go for the throat and risk turnovers. But when you repress that killer instinct in football, it usually comes back to bite you. And the decisions made on third and fourth downs late in the game can either seal the door shut, or open it wide for the opponent.

Case in point:

Game Situation: PIT 29 (3 timeouts) , JAX 28 (2 timeouts)

PLAY: 1-10-PIT 22 (3:43) N.Davenport right guard to PIT 27 for 5 yards

ANALYSIS: Excellent call. Pound it and produce manageable second and third down attempts.

PLAY: 2-5-PIT 27 (3:02) N.Davenport left tackle to PIT 26 for -1 yards

ANALYSIS: Acceptable choice. Play action with a short, safe pass would have worked, but since Davenport ate up 5 yards on first down, letting him push forward again is understandable.

*JACKSONVILLE USES SECOND TIME OUT*

PLAY: 3-6-PIT 26 (2:56) (Shotgun) B.Roethlisberger left tackle to PIT 27 for 1 yard

ANALYSIS: First off, shotgun formation is a horrendous idea. If you’re going to run it, line up in I-Formation and drill it up the middle or off tackle. If you’re going to pass it, line up in I-Formation and take advantage of play action. Shotgun formation followed by a run not only DOESN’T fool the defense, but it greatly diminishes the chances of a first down. On top of all this, Tomlin let Roethlisberger run it. If you haven’t been paying attention, he is the quarterback. Approaching this crucial third down, Tomlin had two main options:

A) Run the ball, which would likely result in Jacksonville using their last timeout and receiving the ball close to Pittsburgh territory with about 2:45 remaining, or, B) Pass the ball, which would either result in a first down allowing the Steelers to kill the clock for the win, or an incomplete pass giving the Jaguars the football close to Pittsburgh territory with about 2:45 remaining and one timeout.

The main difference between A and B is Jacksonville’s one remaining timeout. In the worst-case scenarios of each situation (excluding interception or fumble), Jacksonville would start their drive with the same amount of time remaining around the same part of the field. So if the Jags have about 2:45 to drive about 30-50 yards, how valuable is that last timeout? Tomlin’s lack of aggression in the situation disallowed the Steelers a legitimate opportunity to slam the door and advance to the next round.

The game cannot be considered thrown away by Tomlin, however, because that would discredit the Jaguars and their perseverance. With their final stand against Pittsburgh, the Jacksonville defense proved that they belong in the playoffs, and Jack Del Rio used his timeouts wisely.