Bettis: Steelers Are in Trouble

Unlike many ex-athletes, Jerome Bettis seems to have settled in pretty well to his new role as a member of the media. Many former NFL stars go through their entire post-playing career spouting bland sayings that ensure that they can't be accused of criticizing anyone.

The Bus hasn't had that problem. And he's not sparing his ex-teammates' feelings. In his new Sports Illustrated column, Bettis singles out the Steelers' running game as being the factor that could derail the Pittsburgh's attempt at a repeat. Admittedly, that's something anyone could point out right now -- but Bettis singles out Willie Parker ("haven't seen much from him"), Rashard Mendenhall ("really haven't seen him, period"), Frank Summers ("doesn't seem to understand what's going on") and the offensive line ("no continuity").

But he calls out the Steelers coaching staff as the biggest problem because they ignored the problem.

This problem isn't anything new, and I blame the coaching staff for not addressing the line in the offseason. How did they rationalize not doing anything about it? Well, they won a Super Bowl. They won't be so lucky twice in a row. If Ben continues to get hit the way he did Thursday -- the same way he did last year, then this will come back to haunt the Steelers. Ben will get hurt. Ben will miss games. And they don't have a line to run behind without Ben. Pittsburgh can't repeat with the line playing like this.

It's hard to disagree with much of what Bettis is saying, although I would argue that if Ben Roethlisberger can stay healthy, the Steelers can win even without a running game. But it's nice to see an ex-NFL star willing to tell it like it is.

H/T: Blog N Gold

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

9-15-2009 @ 12:39AM

DB said...

You got it right, Bus. The running game is a joke, the line is a disgrace and Bruce Arians is clueless. The only way they seem to be able to score is when they're in a no huddle and Ben is in charge.

9-15-2009 @ 8:00AM

cwd31 said...

When the Steelers left training camp, did they leave the offense behind? Defence was outstanding again as usual, what happened to the smash mouth, run it down your throat offence, they were man handled by the Titans, this needs to be fixed asap, or its going to be a LONG year.

9-15-2009 @ 9:04AM

jayandtiti said...

the bus is right on. they have to get a free agent quick or it's over. parker hasn't been anywhere since 2005, he always hurt and can't run up the middle. they have ZERO run blocking all around and their pass protection falls apart mid game and ben's on the run. a defensive minded coach will ALWAYS over look the offense because defense wins championships but you can't get there without offense, let's hope they try to pick up someone off waivers or from free-agency QUICK!!!!!

9-15-2009 @ 9:37AM

A. J. said...

The Bus is absolutely correct. The line is horrid and the running game is no where to be found. I've said it before and I'll say it again, where the hell is Issac Redman and why is he not the starter?

9-15-2009 @ 10:06AM

missmaison said...

I agree aj the line really needs some work and and like you why put Redman on the practice squad he reminds me of the Bus the way he busts through there and he could even be utilized as a fullback i think he would much better compliment the O than Frank Summers , and dont even get me started on Mendenhall , He almost took out the one guy that kept us in it , Ben , whenhe ran into him, They need alot of work and i think Bus nailed it on the head...

9-15-2009 @ 10:53AM

Treeman said...

The steelers one weakness is their offensive line and it has been that way ever since their 2005 super bowl win. They hardly adressed it last year and they even gave at least one of their offensive line members a big contract, which I thought was ridiculous. Yes Ben holds on to the ball long, but that has nothing to do with opening up running lands. Willie is doing all he can do, but when 2 or 3 linebackers are meeting him in the "hole" or defensive lineman, what the heck is he suppose to do? The steelers would do much better for this season to adopt a short passing game to the running backs, get Willie Parker on the other side of the line, and let his speed and elusiveability (sp?) work, he is not a power back.

9-15-2009 @ 4:09PM

dsmccartney said...

You have got to be kidding me. The Steelers O line stood Tennessee up for the entire second half. They faced one of the premier defenses in the league and pushed the ball down the field. Sometimes you can't run. Happens to all teams. You adjust and overcome. Mark my words fair weather fans, The Steelers and Willie will run for 200 against Chicago. The fool who said Parker hasn't been there since 05 is an idiot. All it took was one half and the line is now in sync. They will start to dominate!

9-15-2009 @ 4:27PM

As for Bettis, he is one of those stars that thought his team would collapse without him. It didn't happen so he has tried to disparage the team and their coaches. Psychology 101! It's ashame because I and every other Steeler fan loves that guy. Wish he would choose the high road and support his team.

9-15-2009 @ 4:34PM

I would say that I have never heard Bettis say anything disparaging about the Steelers that wasn't accurate. And when it comes to support, Jerome always supports Pittsburgh's teams and the city itself. The Bus didn't say anything that I haven't heard Tomlin say at press conferences. I have faith in this team that things will improve. Anybody that gets down on their team after week one is a terrible fan.

9-15-2009 @ 7:12PM

BOBBY said...

look here people,not only pittsburgh couuldn't run tenn,no one else would have either,yea yea a.p and the vikes would have been stop too.the titans have a good D also,u can't run for a 100 yards all the time,oh last thing didnt none of the so call pro house teams showed me nothing,new england,the chargers should have lost. the steelers are in good sharp, number 7 coming SOON IN FEB. 2010 STEELER NATION

9-15-2009 @ 8:46PM

Drew said...

I'm a Big steelers fan always will be I'm not going to lie but With troy gone the steelers are going to have some shoes to fill in for his position The man Had six tackles and an interception in the first half that shows you troy is a big help in the defense. Now for willie parker i think hes really good but the Offensive Line sucks horribly on the run game they started getting into the groove when Ben was dropping back for the passes. But right now i see the steelers should start going to the air more instead up trying to rely on the O line and they need to head to the free agents line to see who is available to handle troys safety position My thoughts though feel free to comment back

9-16-2009 @ 8:37PM

1st thing Bettis says false is that the coaches did nothing to fix line. They resigned everyone from last years SB winning team. 2nd Bettis says he hasn't seen Willie? Ran for 791 yards last year w/injuries. 1450 the year before. 1270 or so the year before. How quickly people forget. We have Willie Parker, Reshard Mendenhall, Mwelde Moore,and Frank the Tank. The running game is and always will be there in Pittsburgh. One game doesn't define a teams season.
I have to say this one more time for all the people down on the "O" Line: WE STOOD TEN. UP THE ENTIRE SECOND HALF!

9-18-2009 @ 1:45AM

iamsteelers57 said...

although your observations might be correct,and this is only the beggining of the season,but the champs always seem to get it right when it counts the most,we should be concerned,but talk to me at the end of the season,im certain that we will be in the big dance and dance all over any team that shows up,STEELERS 4EVER

9-18-2009 @ 8:31PM

sassykitten49 said...

I have to agree with the "Bus". The offensive line does need help. I'm a die-hard Steeler fan and I want them to do a repeat this year, however they are going to have to find a way to run the ball. Troy being out is going to hurt bad. When he is on the field the other team is constantly aware the he can come from nowhere before they can stop him. They don't have to worry about the Tazmanian Devil for a few weeks and I know that makes them more comfortable. All I can say is GO STEELERS. They do play better when everyone doubts them and tags them as the underdog.