Quote Originally Posted by Cobra X
I wouldn't say Ben's in a funk. I mean, he was 9/20 on 130 some yards last week, but then again, he's not the one dropping passes a la Hines Ward, Lee Mays and Willie Parker. Since Hines is by far my favorite Steeler, and he's usually got hands of glue, I'l chalk it up to just being one bad game and let it slide. But Mays flat out sucks, I would've rather they kept Doering over him after Zamir Cobb went down in preseason. And Parker is fast, but his hands suck, not much of a receiving threat out of the backfield.

Also, as much as I hate to say it, the passing offense is pretty damn anemic without Burress in there. He's the only one who can stretch the field, without him, Ward faces double coverage the whole game, and the opposing D can put 8 in the box to stuff the run (not that it seems to matter), and send the house on a blitz. I think with him being back next week, the passing game will be back to normal.
there is truth in everything you write. but for me, the numbers really don't bother me one way or the other. what bothers me is the indecisiveness, and general skittishness he's shown the last couple of games. He looks a lot like he did in the preseason. he's been holding onto the ball a bit too long, and looking somewhat uncomfortable in the pocket.

Now this may in fact have A LOT to do with burress being out. but I also think some of it is defensive scheming too. he hasn't been able to get outside the pocket hardly at all the last couple of games. it seems like the bengals and redskins have sent pressure up the middle and left the ends rush straight up the field to contain the pocket and this seems to have worked.

In no way do I think you make a switch in any way. I love this kid and it's amazing how well he has done, but there is definately a drop off in his play the last couple of weeks and not just stats wise.

I think it'll get better when burress comes back. Every week is another week to mature. I think by the playoffs you may not really be able to consider him a rookie anymore. he'll have 14 games under his belt and the last 2 months of the season has been and will be playoff type atmosphere as the B&G fight for a 1st round bye and home field.