Steelers offensive coordinator Randy Fichtner: ‘I’m not afraid to throw it deep’

Contrary to popular belief, the Pittsburgh Steelers’ offense has included plenty of deep passes this season.

“I’m not afraid,” offensive coordinator Randy Fichtner said, “to throw it deep.”

While the Steelers have earned a reputation in 2020 for going “dink-and-dunk,” fans might be surprised to know that only three quarterbacks in the NFL have attempted more passes of 20 or more yards downfield than Ben Roethlisberger. According to Pro Football Focus, Roethlisberger is 19 for 64 for 587 yards, eight touchdowns and five interceptions when he throws at least that far beyond the line of scrimmage this season.

“A couple weeks back… we (decided) we are going to attempt to throw it down the (field), Fichtner said during a video conference call with media Thursday. “It can be as early as the first play and definitely can be the last play. It’s something that we have to keep working and getting better at because they create chunks. Chunks are kind of what you need to sustain drives.”

The @Steelers are loaded with deep ball threats, allowing @_BigBen7 and the Pittsburgh offense to stretch the field. ?@NFLMatchup pic.twitter.com/bxdSC8EMuy

— NFL Films (@NFLFilms) October 23, 2020

According to NFL Next Gen Stats, Roethlisberger attempted four deep passes during Sunday’s loss at the Buffalo Bills – one was a touchdown, one was intercepted and two others were incomplete. Five other passes were thrown to a receiver at least 13 yards down the field.

The week earlier against Washington, the Steelers threw 11 passes at least 15 yards down the field.

For the season, 12.3% of Roethlisberer’s passes are 20 or more yards downfield, tied for the 16th-highest rate among 38 qualifying quarterbacks.

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