Some posters last night, claimed Big Ben had all day to throw. That the reason for his success was because of his O-line, and not so much him. So I decided to re-watch the game to see if this was true? This is what the analysis showed.
Ben threw the ball a total of 25 times in the game. In 18 of those throws, the ball came out in 2 seconds or less. Panther D-lineman had no chance to get to him, therefore making his O line look better.
In 6 of his drop backs, he held the ball for 3 seconds. In 3 of those drop backs, when he was under pressure, he rolled out and created something, including an 8 yard run for a 1st down, on 3rd and 8.
On one drop back, he held the ball for 5 seconds, and was able to hit the receiver for a 30 yard gain. At first glance, it seemed like his O line was incredible, giving him all day. However after further analysis the reason was, because the Panthers only rushed 2 defenders, that's right, they only rushed 2 and dropped 9 into coverage, that's why he had 5 seconds to throw.
Multiple times his rb was only getting 1 yard gain, or no gain, forcing 3rd and 9, Ben still getting first downs.
How about the rushing game? Connor rushed for 13 carries for 65 yards, a 5.0 average. His backup, 8 carries for 26 yards, 3.3 average
McCaffrey of the Panthers, rushed for 14 carries for 77 yards, a 5.5 average. So pretty much a wash in the run game for both teams.
Outside of the defenses, the main reason why the Steelers won that game, is because the ball was coming out of Roethlisberger's hands in 2 seconds or less, 72% of the time, showing this had very little to do with his O line.
When he was under pressure 32% of the time, including his 3 runs, he was able to create something out of nothing, and find the open receiver. Showing he was the superior QB to Cam Newton. There is a reason why he has been to 3 superbowls, and has a career 154-73 win/loss record.
Eli is a throwback pocket QB that can pick defenses apart with a brick wall for an offensive line, but times have changed. A combination of poor offensive line play league wide and a subsequent increase in the speed of defenses has made it imperative to have a QB that can slide around the pocket to make things happen and ideally scramble when necessary.
That's actually being generous as he's often just made up bullshit thinking nobody would try and fact-check it.
There is still some legs to the rumor that sxdxca is actually Davis Webb.
With a good running game, defensive play ans set is affected...Maybe they're providing room underneath because they know he can create time to go vertical---that opens quick slantys and drag paterns, etc.
So..Ben is better than Eli..always has been. Just charge the OL changes here over the past 30 games----it's dramatic for a reason.
Not defending Eli...but the OP is off base
There 7 years ago I was convinced Eli was the best of the three. The past 7 seasons, has put a different perspective on the entirety of their careers, but none of their franchises has gotten cheated.
He has reached his peak in yards and td's lifetime, and now is falling back as Ben and Rivers catch and pass him....eventually Rogers and Ryan will pass him, and then if one more QB has a good career, Eli will be out of the top 10....
His win/loss record, lifetime QB rating, and having only two seasons where he won a playoff game, is going to make it an uneasy road to the hall of fame....
I think he will get in, eventually, but he will not be a lock, and it may take a few years of voting before he gets in....
Never did I envision this in 2011......the last 7 seasons have put a definite damper on his career.....
There are times Eli knows presnap he will get sacked by an unimpeded rusher.