Cook: Roethlisberger, Arians come down in 2-part harmony

[stillers4me]

Bruce Arians is one hell of an offensive coordinator.

Now that I have your attention, let me back up that statement. No, wait. Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger wants to do it. He's aware of the ridiculous anti-Arians sentiment around town. He can't understand it, either.

"He gets way, way too much blame and criticism," Roethlisberger told the national media this week. "It's kind of unfortunate because he's so good. If you ask the players, we know. If you ask someone that knows the game of football, you'll know how good he is and what he's done for the offense and what he brings."

In the interest of full disclosure, Roethlisberger has more than a player-coach relationship with Arians. He described him as "a father figure," which made Arians laugh. "I'd rather him say I'm the favorite uncle he likes to drink with." The two are close. You might have heard something in March about Roethlisberger owning a place in Georgia. Arians has one nearby. They play golf often.............

read more @ http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/11022/1119967-66.stm

[tube517]

You might have heard something in March about Roethlisberger owning a place in Georgia. Arians has one nearby. They play golf often.............

BA's fault.

[HometownGal]

That's why Arians is able to shrug off the criticism. He knows an awful lot of people think they can call plays better than he does. That goes with his job. He takes no offense.

It's not praise and pats on the back that Arians will remember when he leaves football, anyway. It's the wins and the championships and the relationships with the players.

Especially the relationships.

Nahhhhh - say it aint so.

Everyone here knows I am a huge BA supporter and this article just exemplifies a lot of the reasons why. Though I don't agree with every single one of his playcalls, I'm smart enough to know that he is in the position he is and I'm in the position I'm in as a mere fan for a reason. It doesn't matter what we think of him as fans - when all is said and done, it matters what the players, Tomlin and Art II think of him and I don't think there can be a shadow of a doubt - whether we make it to the big game or not - that the guy has done a great job with the O this season and I'm proud to have him as our OC.

[SteelerFanInStl]

Good read! I haven't always been the biggest BA fan but I think he's done a much better job this year, especially lately. He and Ben are definitely on the same page.

[Burghfan58]

If he would just be a little less conservative (put teams away instead of letting them hang around) when the Steelers have the lead I would be more of a supporter.

[LLT]

I think alot of us fell into the trap of thinking that BA was at fault for every bad play....but I also thing that making it this far into the playoffs with rookie, 2nd string,third string lineman...and young WR's is pretty impressive.

We have seen the linemen perform above our expectations. Seen the WR's mature. And watched as Arians was able to open the playbook up a little more... at a critical time.

[zulater]

It's always a lot easiar being a OC when you have a Hall of Fame caliber qb in his prime.

[Chidi29]

It's always a lot easiar being a OC when you have a Hall of Fame caliber qb in his prime.

There's no way for Arians to win, huh?

If the offense struggles, it's not the "Hall of Fame caliber qb in his prime". It's Arians' fault.

If the offense does well, the credit goes to Ben.

[zulater]

There's no way for Arians to win, huh?

If the offense struggles, it's not the "Hall of Fame caliber qb in his prime". It's Arians' fault.

If the offense does well, the credit goes to Ben.

Need a cookie Chidi?

Obviously Arians doesn't give a damn if he's not my favorite flavor, so why do you? I think the guy's done an ok job this year, but I still think he's middle of the pack among his peers. I think Ben's always been about a year behind in his development, I think to some extent that's because Arians has been an enabler more than a coach. That situation finally may have resolved itself due to offseason events, but all in all I'm still a jury still out guy when it comes to B.A.

[HometownGal]

There's no way for Arians to win, huh?

If the offense struggles, it's not the "Hall of Fame caliber qb in his prime". It's Arians' fault.

If the offense does well, the credit goes to Ben.

BINGO.

Here's a for instance. Last week, I felt BA called a damned good game - especially when it mattered the most - and other than myself, not one person here gave the man his due. If the Steelers had lost - even though BA wasn't the one who made the fumbles or allowed Webb a great return which was almost returned for a TD resulting in 17 Rats points - sadly, he would have been the scapegoat as he always is. I remember the horrors of last season all too well when our D shit the bed in at least 6 games and gave up leads late in the 4th quarter which the O had secured but who was blamed? Guess who?

Anyway - I don't want to get back into a BA haters vs. BA supporters bru-ha-ha. I appreciate the man and feel he's done a great job this season with the O, INCLUDING the first 4 games of the season when we were without our million dollar man.

[zulater]

OK how's this folks, 3rd and 19, Steelers in time out, Arians wants all the receivers to run 15 yard stop routes. Ben say's hell no, let's send some deep! Antoine Brown catches a 54 yarder, setting up the Steelers winning TD.

That's the difference between greatness and mediocrity my friends.

Look I could sit here quitely or sing kumbaya with the rest of you seeing as that's the way the water's flowing today. But that's not how I feel. I think Bruce is a marginal coach, always has been, most likely always will. I think he's hooked on to a star, and as a result looks better than he actually is for the moment.

[Texasteel]

OK how's this folks, 3rd and 19, Steelers in time out, Arians wants all the receivers to run 15 yard stop routes. Ben say's hell no, let's send some deep! Antoine Brown catches a 54 yarder, setting up the Steelers winning TD.

That's the difference between greatness and mediocrity my friends.

Look I could sit here quitely or sing kumbaya with the rest of you seeing as that's the way the water's flowing today. But that's not how I feel. I think Bruce is a marginal coach, always has been, most likely always will. I think he's hooked on to a star, and as a result looks better than he actually is for the moment.

You just plainly hate BA and no matter want you are not going to give him credit. Just leave it at that, even tho evidently Ben, the offense think he is doing a fine job.

We are one win away from the SB, you don't do that in spite of your coaches. They all desire a great deal of credit. Future HOF QB and coaches alike.

[Chidi29]

Need a cookie Chidi?

Obviously Arians doesn't give a damn if he's not my favorite flavor, so why do you? I think the guy's done an ok job this year, but I still think he's middle of the pack among his peers. I think Ben's always been about a year behind in his development, I think to some extent that's because Arians has been an enabler more than a coach. That situation finally may have resolved itself due to offseason events, but all in all I'm still a jury still out guy when it comes to B.A.

Arians has talked about the tricky line that exists in changing a QB. As much as I've clamored for Ben to become a stronger QB mentally, you can't make major changes with a QB. It's a slower process. Arians has talked about trying to drastically changing a QB earlier in his coaching career and ruining the kid. We're now seeing Ben become the complete package and credit should go to Ben, Arians, and Fitchner.

Chocolate chip would be my preference zulater.

[Texasteel]

Arians has talked about the tricky line that exists in changing a QB. As much as I've clamored for Ben to become a stronger QB mentally, you can't make major changes with a QB. It's a slower process. Arians has talked about trying to drastically changing a QB earlier in his coaching career and ruining the kid. We're now seeing Ben become the complete package and credit should go to Ben, Arians, and Fitchner.

Chocolate chip would be my preference zulater.

Ben has in deed grown a great deal and has become a much better QB. That can only be due to hard work by Ben, and good work by the coaches. In his first SB I heard that we won in spite of the QB, now we are winning in spite of the coach. This will never change Chidi, believe me they just can not give credit where credit is due.

[Chidi29]

OK how's this folks, 3rd and 19, Steelers in time out, Arians wants all the receivers to run 15 yard stop routes. Ben say's hell no, let's send some deep! Antoine Brown catches a 54 yarder, setting up the Steelers winning TD.

That's the difference between greatness and mediocrity my friends.

Look I could sit here quitely or sing kumbaya with the rest of you seeing as that's the way the water's flowing today. But that's not how I feel. I think Bruce is a marginal coach, always has been, most likely always will. I think he's hooked on to a star, and as a result looks better than he actually is for the moment.

And Arians let that happen. The article talked about leaving the game in the player's hands and doing what they're comfortable with. Tomlin lets his assistant coaches coach. We've heard about LeBeau listening to his players who wanted to blitz more often. LeBeau did so at their advice. Even though these guys are coaches, there is a bit of give-and-take.

Anyone remember how stubborn Buddy Parker was? Granted, it was a bad team, but his stubborness repeatedly hurt us. In our pre-dynasty era, there are repeated examples of us being stubborn. Be it being the last team to switch to the "T", a refusal to pass the ball on early downs, to Parker's hatred of rookies and cutting players on the spot, trying to prove no one was expendable. Lynn Chandnois could have enjoyed a more successful time with Pittsburgh, but Parker cut him.

I've always been a supporter of Arians. I was one of the few backing him last year.

http://boards.espn.go.com/boards/mb/...=5921461&tsn=1
http://boards.espn.go.com/boards/mb/...6230409&lid=90
http://boards.espn.go.com/boards/mb/...6195791&lid=94
http://boards.espn.go.com/boards/mb/...6833984&tsn=81

I'm under the same name there as I am here.

I've been as big a backer as they come.

[LLT]

OK how's this folks, 3rd and 19, Steelers in time out, Arians wants all the receivers to run 15 yard stop routes. Ben say's hell no, let's send some deep! Antoine Brown catches a 54 yarder, setting up the Steelers winning TD.

That's the difference between greatness and mediocrity my friends.

Look I could sit here quitely or sing kumbaya with the rest of you seeing as that's the way the water's flowing today. But that's not how I feel. I think Bruce is a marginal coach, always has been, most likely always will. I think he's hooked on to a star, and as a result looks better than he actually is for the moment.

Zu...

What you are talking about happens on every team...on every play. The OC calls a play in...and the QB makes adjustments based on what he sees in the coverage. That doesnt make the OC's "marginal". If it did, then every OC in the league is marginal for letting their QB's make the correct adjustements at the line.

I dont think Arians calling 15 yard patterns on a 3rd and 19 is uncommon among OC's...I'm not sure if ANY team has a play for 3rd and 19 in their playbook. 3rd and 19 is a BAD place to be!!! The hope is that the WR gets the 4 yards after the catch. It was only after Ben saw the safety cheating to one side that he made the adjustement for Brown to go long....which is something that Arians had no way of predicting.

If the Safety would have played it differently...then the 3rd and 15 routes are the right calls to make....everytime....if the safety cheats...then having one of your speedsters go long is the right "adjustment" at the line...everytime.

[X-Terminator]

There's no way for Arians to win, huh?

If the offense struggles, it's not the "Hall of Fame caliber qb in his prime". It's Arians' fault.

If the offense does well, the credit goes to Ben.

That's the way it's always been. There are a lot of people who would rather cut off both their arms than give BA credit for anything.

[zulater]

You just plainly hate BA and no matter want you are not going to give him credit. Just leave it at that, even tho evidently Ben, the offense think he is doing a fine job.

We are one win away from the SB, you don't do that in spite of your coaches. They all desire a great deal of credit. Future HOF QB and coaches alike.

Lol, I don't hate anyone, not even Brady or Bellichick. And I didn't say he sucked, was awful, need fired etc.... I just think he's marginal, mediocre, you know Coors lite middle of the pack, I'm not talking Keystone light awful.

Besides, I thought you guys were the ones against "bandwagon jumpers".

[LLT]

Lol, I don't hate anyone, not even Brady or Bellichick. And I didn't say he sucked, was awful, need fired etc.... I just think he's marginal, mediocre, you know Coors lite middle of the pack, I'm not talking Keystone light awful.

Besides, I thought you guys were the ones against "bandwagon jumpers".

Its your opinion Zu.....(I like the beer analogy).

Heck...I hated Deshea Townsend the whole time he was here, and no one understood it!!!

I think people are just surprised that we are this far into the playoffs and there are still some fans who dont see Arians as a part of our success.

Throw me a bone.....IF we win the SB this year, will ya give Arians some love???

[Psycho Ward 86]

We are one win away from the SB, you don't do that in spite of your coaches.

Sure you can. It's been done tenfold.

[GoSlash27]

There's no way for Arians to win, huh?

If the offense struggles, it's not the "Hall of Fame caliber qb in his prime". It's Arians' fault.

If the offense does well, the credit goes to Ben.

Not really. Arians gets the credit/ blame for the play calling when Ben doesn't audible.
Ben gets the credit/blame for his execution and any audibles.
I still don't think BA has done a very good job calling or planning this year. If he did, Mendy would have more yards and Ben wouldn't be scrambling trying to find an open receiver.

[zulater]

Sure you can. It's been done tenfold.

Barry Switzer comes right to mind.

[zulater]

Its your opinion Zu.....(I like the beer analogy).

Heck...I hated Deshea Townsend the whole time he was here, and no one understood it!!!

I think people are just surprised that we are this far into the playoffs and there are still some fans who dont see Arians as a part of our success.

Throw me a bone.....IF we win the SB this year, will ya give Arians some love???

I see Arians as part of the success. I do think he's brought up his game this season. I just don't think he's elite. I couldn't see him succeeding with a marginal qb like Chan Gailey, and Mike Mularkey both did with Kordell in 97 and 01, and then Tommy Maddox in 02.

And hopefully he'll never have to.

[LLT]

I see Arians as part of the success. I do think he's brought up his game this season. I just don't think he's elite. I couldn't see him succeeding with a marginal qb like Chan Gailey, and Mike Mularkey both did with Kordell in 97 and 01, and then Tommy Maddox in 02.

And hopefully he'll never have to.

Yikes....hamstringing any OC with Kordell and Maddox is mad mojo. You are bringing up bad memories for me!!!!!!

[tube517]

I joke and kid about everything being BA's fault but he's done a better job this year. And I am a BA "hater". I will give him due credit this year, especially for the first 4 game w/a 3rd/4th string QB. I like the balanced attack. I like the development of the WR's. I like Ben's development. And if you erase the TO's from last week, it could have been a blowout because the Ravens O did nothing. Finally, the OL was/is a MASH unit and he's had to deal with that all year.

My only "complaint" this year is the number of carries Mendy had. I just don't like think a RB in this day and age can carry 340+ times in a year any more. And whether it's Tomlin, BA, or the RB coach, they need to look at that again next year.

Other than that, I hope BA continues the success and can get 2 more wins this year.

[Chidi29]

Not really. Arians gets the credit/ blame for the play calling when Ben doesn't audible.
Ben gets the credit/blame for his execution and any audibles.
I still don't think BA has done a very good job calling or planning this year. If he did, Mendy would have more yards and Ben wouldn't be scrambling trying to find an open receiver.

You know as well as I do that's it is very difficult for Arians to get credit. People are much more willing to put the blame on him than give him credit.

Why is Mendy or Ben's struggles just on Arians? Where is the personal accountability? Ben missing an open guy? Mendenhall not hitting a hole with conviction. Plus, the outside factors. The line has been a mess this year, ravaged with injuries since training camp. How is that Arians fault? The RG spot, the most important piece of our run game IMO, has gone through the most change of the starting five.

[Craic]

My only "complaint" this year is the number of carries Mendy had. I just don't like think a RB in this day and age can carry 340+ times in a year any more. And whether it's Tomlin, BA, or the RB coach, they need to look at that again next year.

Other than that, I hope BA continues the success and can get 2 more wins this year.

I agree with you. However, I remember Tomlin saying "we are going to run the wheels off of Willie." That is exactly what they did. I think using Mendy that much comes straight from Tomlin. Its one of the few places where I disagree with him-not that that means much

[steelreserve]

I really think he's gotten better this year. He finally learned that not being flat and predictable every series, and mixing in the occasional bit of deception, is actually a decent way to call a football game.

A couple of personnel moves might have helped this happen, too. Wallace being the fastest guy on the planet and ARE having the ability to throw the ball kind of beat you over the head with the temptation to try deception ... and Redman's emergence (not to mention not having Parker wasting that roster spot) has made running on 3rd-and-1 a viable option.

[Craic]

I really think he's gotten better this year. He finally learned that not being flat and predictable every series, and mixing in the occasional bit of deception, is actually a decent way to call a football game.

A couple of personnel moves might have helped this happen, too. Wallace being the fastest guy on the planet and ARE having the ability to throw the ball kind of beat you over the head with the temptation to try deception ... and Redman's emergence (not to mention not having Parker wasting that roster spot) has made running on 3rd-and-1 a viable option.

For your first point, I think it was the addition of Pouncey and our WR's that have helped him. It wasn't that his playcalling has improved. Its that he now has the personnel and a QB that is focused.

On the last... if you take away Mendy's long runs.... his average is worse than Willies.

[GoSlash27]

You know as well as I do that's it is very difficult for Arians to get credit. People are much more willing to put the blame on him than give him credit.

Why is Mendy or Ben's struggles just on Arians? Where is the personal accountability? Ben missing an open guy? Mendenhall not hitting a hole with conviction. Plus, the outside factors. The line has been a mess this year, ravaged with injuries since training camp. How is that Arians fault? The RG spot, the most important piece of our run game IMO, has gone through the most change of the starting five.

"People", sure. "Me", not so much. I only hold people accountable that have direct authority over the screw-ups. If it wasn't for Ben's ability to extend busted plays and Mendy's ability to recognize and avoid a bad blocking scheme, BA would end up looking a lot worse than he has this year.