The Steelers last drive against the Cowboys showed a growing trend the team is facing. Opposing teams are hell bent on taking away Antonio Brown, especially on his outside routs. What that leads to is plenty of open space in the middle of the field for players like Jesse James, Eli Rogers, and Ladarius Green.
It’s clear that Pittsburgh’s talent has shifted from the outside deep threats, to more inside ball control receivers. With Sammie Coates injured and Martavis Bryant suspended it’s time to shift the focus of the offense. Eli Rogers is developing into a weapon as a slot receiver, and needs to be utilized more in the offense. Even more important is the debut of Ladarius Green. He gives the Steelers the threat down the seem they have missed all season. Look for Pittsburgh to utilize more 12 personnel to take advantage of both Green and Jesse James. Once they’ve established the passing game through the center of the field, Antonio Brown will find it much easier to get to open. Maybe then we can finally see this offense be as consistent as we all expected when the season began.