Ben Roethlisberger threw two interceptions against the Dolphins in October and wasn’t able to get the offense going until it was too late.
The combination of missing his targets and misunderstanding what the Dolphins were showing him made for a long day for Roethlisberger against a defense that finished the season ranked 18th in points allowed, 15th in passing yards allowed and 29th in total yardage allowed.
Roethlisberger can’t repeat that performance Sunday, or it will put them in another bind and likely end with their third loss in the opening round of the playoffs in the past six seasons.
PROTECTION
Before we get into Roethlisberger’s decision-making process, I think it is worthy of note that he should expect better protection from his line. For one, Marcus Gilbert is healthy, and that will be a major help in protecting the right edge.
It should also be noted that Alejandro Villanueva has made steady improvements as the season has continued, just as he did last year. The Dolphins will look to test the Steelers with exotic blitzes and aggressive rushes Sunday. Watch the left side of the line and how Villanueva lets Andre Branch get under him and drive him back into Roethlisberger:
MAN TO MAN LOOKS
When Roethlisberger identifies the man coverage looks, that opens up opportunities for hot routes and audibles which he can use to play his receivers off one another. Watch below how Jesse James becomes an impediment to the player covering Eli Rogers:
Man coverage with two high safeties like this play leave a lot of space open underneath for crossing patterns and quick underneath routes by receivers, who can get separation from their defenders. Though the Dolphins are missing both their starting safeties and their top cornerback, Byron Maxwell, has missed their past two games due to injury, it should be expected that they give a similar look to repeat their success.
Should they do so, Roethlisberger should be ready to exploit more regularly what he could not in their first meeting.
That being said, the Dolphins will switch to zone coverage on occasion, most likely in third-and-long situations. That’s what happened when Roethlisberger threw his second interception of the game last time:
Watch how Roethlisberger’s head moves from Antonio Brown‘s slant to stare down Sammie Coates, who is behind three Dolphins defenders. It’s easy to see how the Dolphins were able to make this interception.
Roethlisberger’s internal clock might have forced him to make this throw because there was no pressure in his face, and if he takes his time, he might have a chance to find Le’Veon Bell, Brown or James for a better shot at the first down.
The Steelers should expect a better effort this time around from their offensive line, much like they got from them when they faced the Ravens in their first rematch. That should allow Roethlisberger the time to be comfortable within the pocket and make the plays both underneath their man coverage looks with two deep safeties, as well as test both of the backup safeties which will be seeing action for the Dolphins.
MORE STEELERS
GAME NOTES • STATISTICS • SCHEDULE
Dopirak: Butler still bothered by first game
Kaboly: Ben taking back seat ride
Kaboly: Shazier vs. Ajayi
Kovacevic: Playoff stars finally align
Kaboly: Bell named AFC Player of the Month
Carter’s Classroom: More touches for Bell
Kaboly: Names all different now
Matt’s Stats: Cold weather calculus
Sunday’s Best: Sixteen fave photos
Benstonium: Greatness is within
Video: Around the locker room
DK Sports Radio: Benz, Carter on Steelers
