Mark Malone: Steelers 'Still Trying To Find Their Way' On Offense
PITTSBURGH (93-7 The Fan) - Former Steelers quarterback and current "NFL on Westwood One" color analyst Mark Malone joined "The Fan Morning Show" Friday to preview Sunday's Steelers-Falcons game, which he will be calling for the network.
Malone discussed the state of the Steelers' offense, and said he thinks Todd Haley's vision for the offense hasn't entirely taken shape yet. This is despite the fact it's Haley's third year as offensive coordinator.
"I still think they're trying to find their way," Malone said. "I think Todd Haley came in with an idea and through the direction of Mike Tomlin to get back to more Steeler football, run the ball. But, it seems to me, the more tape I watch and the more games I watch, and the more I see them back in the shotgun, and Ben [Roethlisberger] feels a lot more comfortable back there as well. So, I think they're still trying to find their way in terms of what it is they do offensively and what their identity might be. You know Ben. He likes to hold onto the football, move around and make some plays down the football field. Those aren't high-percentage passes. You risk the ball from time-to-time, and every once in a while, things just don't work out your way."
Malone doesn't deny that Roethlisberger has had some incredible outings this year in which he's been able to take over a game. However, he thinks Le'Veon Bell needs to be at the root of what the Steelers do offensively.
"Now, he went through those two games where he had 12 touchdown passes, which is just phenomenal. But, I look at them and I go to myself, listen, you've got Le'Veon Bell. He's probably the best in the league right now in terms of a three-down back. He runs it as well as anybody, catches it out of the backfield. You've got Antonio Brown, who's got 105 catches already on the season, which is phenomenal, and a couple of young wide receivers. I would work the ball to Bell as much as I possibly can, play-action the ball, and try to see if you can get some isolation routes on the outside with some of those wide receivers. I think when they've done that, they've had a lot of success, and I think they'll be able to do it against Atlanta. That football team has struggled on the defensive side of the football."
The interview can be heard here:
You May Also Be Interested In These Latest Stories From The Fan
Like The Fan On Facebook
Follow The Fan On Twitter