49ers vs. Steelers: Beating The Blitz on Monday Night Football

by Dylan DeSimone on Dec 16, 2011 7:30 AM PST in 49ers Predictions

Welcome back Niners fans. Even though we are coming off a loss and heading into a tough primetime match-up, I couldn't be more excited for the next game. I've found that since the Jim Harbaugh has taken control of this team, I don't dread match-ups like one San Francisco has this Monday Night against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

NFL fans aware of the stigma the Steelers have had over the years; with Dick LeBeau at the helm, the defense has been extraordinary and Ben Roethlisberger is already a very accomplished quarterback. The only team that has truly owned Pittsburgh this year is the Baltimore Ravens, who swept them in two games. Luckily, the man who engineered that is the big brother of our own head coach, Jim Harbaugh.

With that said, it's no mystery that Jim Harbaugh was probably using his Anytime Minutes to call his family in Maryland this week. So, what could be the most useful piece of information John could give Jim about the Steelers? What's one thing that he could clue Jim into that could be a game changer for the 49ers? Let's jump

I noticed the last two games where the Ravens played the Steelers; they scored points and took the ball away on defense. They did those two things very well, and the Niners have the makeup to do them as well - especially the second thing. I think the key to scoring points on the Steelers has to start with keeping Alex Smith upright.

If the 49ers are not only able to protect Smith, but take advantage of when Pittsburgh sends extra men, it could turn the Steelers' entire defense plan on itself. Let's also take note that James Harrison will be serving his one-game suspension that Monday night and will not be active. Hopefully John Harbaugh breaks down how to isolate their blitz schemes, and which blocking schemes are best suited to defend them.

The play-calling should absolutely come into consideration here as well. The Ravens are effective at running screens and used them to beat the Steelers blitz. The offensive linemen executed and Ray Rice was able to make plays behind his blockers and in space. I know Frank Gore and this offensive line is capable of producing similar results. It wouldn't be irrational to throw in some quick slants and tight end throwback screens either.

I think it would be advisable to get Delanie Walker and Vernon Davis involved in the receiving game. The Pittsburgh linebackers and safeties are so good at stopping the play close to the line of scrimmage or getting to the passer; we need to get them in pass protection and stay away from Troy Polamalu. Walker and Davis are mismatches for the Steelers more seasoned defenders.

If the 49ers offense can control time of possession, keep Ben Roethlisberger off the field, and make the Steelers defense have to defend every inch of that field by spreading them out with creative play calls, San Francisco has a great shot to win. They open as 2 ½ point favorites at home; one thing is for sure, this should be a close game.

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NFL.Com just reported Harrison's appeal was denied!

he’s 100% out for MNF!

by reedkrase on Dec 16, 2011 7:49 AM PST reply actions

Great news for Alex

We still need to get rid of the ball quickly until we settle them down. Maybe a 3 step drop and a slant with YAC. Then Gore them a bit and let Hunter put out his scopes on the end zone again. Going to be a great game and our O-Line will step up and Alex will get rid of the ball before the rush begins to play.

49ers Shop

by wellnesscoach on Dec 16, 2011 11:22 AM PST up reply actions

Not too biased, are you?

stigma

IF you can get pressure on our QB (Ben, Batch, Dixon, who knows at this point), AND fully cover our Young Money receivers, you can keep our scoring low.

On offense, if little brother emulates big brother’s offensive line scheme, and chop block the heck out of our front 3, then you might be effective at stringing out the running plays.

I’m sure the elder Brothers Grimm is going to maximize the return he got for paying a consultant to tell him how to beat the Steelers, by giving the report to Grimm the Younger (who probably wishes he had something like that in 1995).

Should be a good game, if we can find enough healthy bodies. Good luck NN poasters, and hope both teams stay healthy.

United we Stand, melded like Steel
To Roger Goodell, We'll never Yield.

by PaVaSteeler on Dec 16, 2011 9:07 AM PST reply actions

probably as biased on the Steelers site

The Niners get a game on the big stage against a quality opponent. I, for one, am interested to see how they hold up under those conditions — looking forward to a good defensive battle. My prediction is the winner be the team who kicks the last field goal.

"(I)f you think you've got an inside track to absolute truth, you become doctrinaire, humorless and intellectually constipated." Saul Alinsky

by dianemarie on Dec 16, 2011 9:38 AM PST up reply actions

Dear Alex S

3 step drop pass, keep practicing this …5-10 step drop gets you sacked more often

by Aazoba Yuzuki on Dec 16, 2011 9:39 AM PST reply actions

1-step drop is appropriate at times, too

true quick slant hot is:

snap, left foot plant, throw.

He’s tall enough to get it over their heads too

We're as good as we play each week, no better, no worse.
Follow @Tre9er

by Tre9er on Dec 16, 2011 11:31 AM PST up reply actions

My fear is that our o-line has been exposed.

Especially without Staley practicing this week.

Look, the achilles heel of our team has been revealed: you can confuse our o-line with zone blitzes, and consistently get enough pressure on Alex to render him ineffective.

That weakness plays right into the Steeler’s strength. Even without James Harrison, they scheme their blitzes rather than rely on one-on-one excellence … and we’ve shown zero ability to block well-schemed blitzes correctly.

It’s on the o-line. They’re going to have to have their best game of the season. Without Staley practicing all week, that seems unlikely.

by Ronaldinho on Dec 16, 2011 10:24 AM PST reply actions

Staley was not missed this last week.

It was the right side mostly, of course Arizona was attacking that side almost exclusively.

We're as good as we play each week, no better, no worse.
Follow @Tre9er

by Tre9er on Dec 16, 2011 11:31 AM PST up reply actions

It's not the end of the world. All they need to do is go back to what they

were doing early in the season.

by TortureOpp on Dec 16, 2011 12:12 PM PST up reply actions

Well, that's why I used the word "exposed."

It’s not like they’ve forgotten what they were doing earlier in the year.

Rather, teams have had more and more tape to see what they can’t handle. And now it’s pretty clear – you can exploit the right side of our offensive line with zone blitzes.

That means we’re going to see a steady diet of them until we show we can handle them. Now, some teams may not have the players to effectively zone blitz our right side, but Pittsburg isn’t one of those teams.

by Ronaldinho on Dec 16, 2011 12:32 PM PST up reply actions

Screen passes

Frank’s always had a little trouble catching out of the backfield. I don’t think we’ll see much of it, but the guy that should be featured on screens is Kendall Hunter. He has better hands out of the backfield and I’ve always said he reminds me of Ray Rice.

when will the Kenny Thomas Reign of Terror end?!!??

by diehardkingsfan5 on Dec 16, 2011 8:43 PM PST via mobile reply actions