Pittsburgh Steelers

Connected Franchise Mode Strategy CFM Team Rating: 84 Offense: 93 Defense: 81 Offensive Scheme: Balanced Defensive Scheme: Base 3-4 Strengths: HB, WR, QB, C, RG, MLB Weaknesses: S, CB, RE 2014 Team Rankings 1st AFC North (11-5-0) Passing Offense: 2nd Rushing Offense: 16th Passing Defense: 27th Rushing Defense: 6th 2014 team leaders Passing: Ben Roethlisberger: 4,952 Rushing: Le’Veon Bell: 1,361 Receiving: Antonio Brown: 1,698 Tackles: Lawrence Timmons: 132 Sacks: Cameron Heyward: 7.5 Ints: William Gay: 3 Key Additions LB James Harrison (re-signed) LB Arthur Moats (re-signed) TE Matt Spaeth (re-signed) Key Rookies LB Bud Dupree CB Senquez Golson WR Sammie Coates Owner: Dan Rooney Legacy Score: 6,075 Coach: Mike Tomlin Level: 15 Legacy Score: 2,300 Offensive Scheme: Balanced Defensive Scheme: Base 3-4

Offensive Scouting Report

• QB Ben Roethlisberger has excellent strength, which allows him to keep plays alive until he finds an open target. With the emergence of a great HB, his Play Action rating and ability to throw on the run should come in handy.
• Le’Veon Bell has absolutely turned into an every-down back for the Steelers. Not only does he have excellent agility, but he rarely fumbles and is a solid pass catcher. Start saving up because he will command a huge payday soon.
• In the WR corps, Antonio Brown has an amazing ability to hang onto balls in traffic, so go to him any time you need a clutch catch and let him do the work after the grab. Martavis Bryant is the next player you should focus on developing, because his size will make him a real threat in the red zone.

Defensive Scouting Report

• The Steelers’ defensive line is perfect for their 3-4 scheme. Continue to work on pass-rushing skills for Stephon Tuitt. He is young and still developing. Expect Cameron Heyward and Steve McLendon to perform well, as they are in the prime of their careers.
• Last season, rookie LB Ryan Shazier stepped in and showed incredible speed. Improve his coverage skills, or consider switching him to a role where he can blitz on an every-down basis.
• The Steelers lost their veteran leader with the retirement of Troy Polamalu. However, they have the young talent ready to replace him in Shamarko Thomas. Focus your scouting on finding a CB in the upcoming draft.

Schedule

Key Players

• To get the most out of Bell, target him in the passing game, because he can break screen passes for huge gains.
• Juke is a great option in the open field, but spin and stiff arm moves are close seconds.

• Model the development of the younger DE Stephon Tuitt after Heyward, who can slide inside and rush on passing downs.
• Heyward has developed into an all-around defensive star and should remain in black and yellow for a long time.

• This marks the second straight season the Steelers have gone for a linebacker early in the draft, and both times they have nailed it.
• Dupree is a pure pass rusher, so make sure to protect him against the run game until you beef up his 67 Block Shed rating.

• There is rarely a reason to take your starter off the field, but 96 Speed would be one time to try to hit a big play.
• Don’t forget to cover up the ball or get out of bounds. Archer has only a 69 Carry rating and needs an upgrade.

OFFENSIVE DEPTH CHART

DEFENSIVE DEPTH CHART

SPECIAL TEAMS

Best Offensive Plays

BEST RUN: Pistol Slot Wing — Inside Zone Split

Setup:

• This run is designed to hit the middle, but Bell is explosive enough to take it outside if you see a lane.
• This is one of our favorite runs in the entire game. Use it until defenses proves they can stop it.

Advanced Setup:

• None

Running Plays

MAN COVERAGE ZONE COVERAGE MAN BLITZ ZONE BLITZ

BEST PASS: Gun Tight Doubles on — Cross Wheels

Setup/Reads:

• Against zone coverage be patient and keep your eyes over the middle of the field.
• Against man-to-man coverage the two crossing routes should work well with each other to free one receiver up.
• Against the blitz look to quickly hit the HB in the flat for a back-breaking gain.

Advanced Setup:

• Streak the far left WR.

Passing Plays

MAN COVERAGE ZONE COVERAGE MAN BLITZ ZONE BLITZ

Best Defensive Plays

BEST RUN DEFENSE: 3-4 Over — Sam Mike 3

Setup:

• Try to get a double team along the defensive line to help give your blitzing LB a gap to shoot through.
• Don’t forget to base align against formations that try to spread you out.

Player to Control:

• DT over the center

Run Defense

MAN COVERAGE ZONE COVERAGE MAN BLITZ ZONE BLITZ

BEST PASS DEFENSE: Nickel 2-4-5 Prowl — Cover 2 Drop

Setup:

• Shading your defensive coverage over the top can help defend against vertical concepts.
• Shading your defensive coverage underneath on third and short will help against concepts like spacing.
• If your defensive line can’t get a rush, the opponent will pick you apart along the deep sideline. Consider blitzing some LBs on long-yardage situations.

Player to Control:

• Either MLB in a hook zone

Pass Defense

MAN COVERAGE ZONE COVERAGE MAN BLITZ ZONE BLITZ