Dear Steelers: If you only commit to one thing this season, let it be this

If Ben Roethlisberger is to go out with his head held high, the organization needs to lend him a helping hand.

So Ben Roethlisberger is returning for his 18th and what appears to be final season with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

If Roethlisberger is to go out with his head held high, the organization needs to lend him a helping hand in the form of a reliable run game and balanced offense.

With Matt Canada taking over the reins, we’re going to see a different scheme, that’s certain. But I would think some of what we saw in 2020 was of then-QB coach Matt Canada’s doing.

Roethlisberger isn’t getting any younger, but he still has the ability to produce, as evidenced by 3,803 yards, 33 touchdowns, and a QB rating of 94. That was with Pittsburgh’s receivers dropping balls at an alarming rate.

Just imagine what he can do with a little help from his (RB) friends. Unfortunately, the run game vanished between the first half and second half of the 2020 season, so did the offense’s success and winning games.

NFL Network reporter Aditi Kinkhabwala recently tweeted these jarring stats: When the Steelers rush for 100 yards, Roethlisberger is 106-20-1 (.839). When they don’t, he’s 50-54 (.481). Since 2018, he’s 12-0-1 when his team gives him 100 rush yards, 9-11 when it doesn’t.

Ben had a terrific season in a pass-first (heck, pass-always) offense, especially considering he was 38 and coming off what could’ve easily been a career-ending injury. Sure, his interceptions went up in the second half of the season (four in first eight weeks, six in last eight), but some of that had to do with the offense’s predictability than Ben’s accuracy. Logic tells us that the more one throws the ball, the higher the chances of being picked off.

If the Steelers expect Roethlisberger to survive his likely last season, they will need to show an undying commitment to a ground attack. Run the ball down defense’s throats and take some pressure off Big Ben.

Take a look at Aditi’s follow-up tweet:

Pittsburgh had more rush yards (684) through six games than it did in the last 11 games (667). That’s unacceptable and played a role in their lack of success down the stretch.

As it stands today, Pittsburgh’s running back stable consists of three unproven guys in Benny Snell, Jaylen Samuels and Anthony McFarland. James Conner remains unsigned and won’t be unless he agrees to a reduced role and salary. Even then, the Steelers sound like they’re ready to move on.

Not only do the Steelers need to bolster their backs, but they’re going to have to revamp their offensive line to include guys who can run block. Of the six free-agent linemen, only one is signed — reserve left tackle, Jarron Jones.

The Steelers can get there. They just need to make the right moves and stick to their (run game) guns — for the sake of Ben Roethlisberger’s legacy. We all know that players are often remembered for how they exited. Help him make it a great exit.

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