Still another, against the Bengals in week 15, ended when Roethlisberger knelt to end the game, and one more against the Bengals ended up outside the red zone due to a sack. Against the Ravens in November, a drive ended as Roethlisberger made a futile, fourth-down effort to bring the team back from a 14-point deficit with just over three minutes remaining. Against the Patriots, a drive ended with a missed field goal after a holding penalty pushed the offense out of the red zone. One other red-zone drive in that game ended up with a successful field goal try from outside the red zone after quarterback Ben Roethlisberger was sacked on third down. One field goal attempt was blocked by the Philadelphia Eagles. They scored on 40 of those - 30 touchdowns and 10 field goals. In 2016, the Steelers had 50 red-zone possessions. The key to realizing it, as with anything in sports, is to consider situational football.īefore we get into the numbers, we need to consider some vocabulary: for the purposes of this article, any play that gains yards or scores points is considered a “win” any other play is considered a “loss” for that particular snap. I said what no one else wants to say: the Steelers are not bad in the Red Zone. But, once they get inside their opponents’ 20-yard line, their productivity comes to a screeching halt. When the Steelers deploy similar concepts this year, Neal will often find himself in the box, similar to the role Edmunds played in this scheme last year.You’re probably aware of a statement that has become so ubiquitous that the only thing missing is for it to be captured in a meme: the Steelers’ offense is bad in the red zone.īetween the 20s, we all know how good this offense can be. Last year, the Steelers utilized a three-safety package with great success once Kazee returned from injury. That year of experience - fitting runs and carrying out different responsibilities in coverage - should pay dividends as the Steelers’ malleable defense changes shape within games and throughout the season. I knew how to fit gaps, but there’s a little more detail at the linebacker position, which was good.” “It definitely helped me in my game,” Neal said. After five seasons in Atlanta, Neal followed former Falcons head coach Dan Quinn to Dallas, where Quinn re-established himself as a top defensive coordinator with Neal in a new role: linebacker. The most significant evolution came in 2021. He began to use his physicality down in the box as a strong safety more often. In part because of the injuries, Neal’s game grew through the adversity. Really fighting through, having that grit to get through.” “It really made me hone in on understanding my body, understanding how certain movements affect me, how certain body positions affect the risk of injury,” Neal said. This time, he ruptured his Achilles and was again lost for the season. Then, just three games into his comeback in 2019, injury struck his left leg again. Just one game into the 2018 season, he tore the ACL in his left knee. However, injuries in back-to-back seasons robbed Neal of two years in his prime and changed the trajectory of his career. By the end of his second season, Neal was on the way to his first Pro Bowl. He racked up more than 100 tackles in each of his first two seasons, producing eight forced fumbles in his first 30 NFL games. Almost as soon as he stepped into the league as the 17th pick in the 2016 NFL Draft, he quickly established himself as a wrecking ball in the defensive backfield. It’s a role Neal has played - and played well - in the past. At least on paper, Neal’s skill set would be a nice complement to Fitzpatrick, allowing the All-Pro safety to freelance while Neal fulfills his duties in the box. At the most basic level, his playing style and personality will allow the 6-foot, 211-pound defensive back to challenge Damontae Kazee for the starting strong safety spot alongside Minkah Fitzpatrick. Neal, who will turn 28 in July, figures to be an answer to at least one of those vacancies. What some new muscle means for Kenny Pickett and the Steelers offense
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