Bruce Arians Could Be Done In Pittsburgh

6 Comments

1. 

   The Tony

   January 18, 2012 at 10:10 pm

   For the love of god let this be true

   Reply

2. Pingback: Pittsburgh Steeler Fans » Pittsburgh Steelers May Not Have Bruce Arians Back in 2012

3. 

   DrGeorge

   January 19, 2012 at 10:38 am

   While I have been a vocal critic of Arian’s aerial circus, I have also said, “Be careful what you wish for.” Merely replacing Arians is not a sure fire solution. We need an OC who can: (1) discipline Ben R. to play within the offense and take what the defense gives him instead of forcing throws deep and holding the ball too long; (2) create an effective power running game and use it consistently, especially in the red zone; (3) develop an O-line that can pass protect and execute more imaginative run blocking schemes (double teams, cross blocks, pulling linemen; and (4) devise and call more imaginative plays to suit the game situation.

   My sideline impression of the Steelers offense in recent years is that Arians asked them to do too much, particularly given our many injuries on the O-line. The execution was not crisp. It is far better to focus on doing a few things well. New England’s offense is an example of that. It looks complicated, but in reality, they run many variations on the same plays to create that impression. Part of the challenge of coaching is to devise plays your talent can execute well. Keeping the offense simple is the time-honored means to that objective.

   Reply
   • 

     Mike

     January 19, 2012 at 6:37 pm

     You have been begging on your hands and knees to replace Arians with any living and breathing flesh!! Then, this report comes out and now you say “Be careful for what you wish for”? I understand your point of hiring the right guy but enough with your litany. Every head coach would love to have that perfect balance on the offensive side of the ball. Finding that right guy is not so easy. In fact, I remember when we had Ron Erhardt as our coordinator and fans still complained he was too predictable and conservative. I got knews for you, Whisenhunt is not walking through those doors. Replace Arains? Absolutely!! It is the right thing to do. I have a great idea!! Why don’t you apply for the job since you know exactly what is needed. Then, Doc, you can do all those things and cure cancer!!

     Reply
     • 

       George H

       January 19, 2012 at 11:05 pm

       As much as I dislike Arians, the Doc does make a point. Not retaining Arains will undoubtedly please Steeler Nation, however, if we get the new OC he has to step up and follow the guidelines that Doc has set out. Those were exactly the flaw in our offense this year. Yes, every team would love a balanced offense, but the inability to adapt and cater to the offense’s strengths has Arains on the hot seat.

       Heres to hoping for a new OC that can get our offense going… Maybe Todd Graham will bring his “high octane” offense to Pittaburgh… oh wait

       Reply
4. 

   DrGeorge

   January 20, 2012 at 11:21 am

   Thank you for your kind clarification and support, George H. It is sometimes difficult to make a subtle distinction in a public forum. (Just ask the presidential candidates.) And I do understand Mike’s frustration, since we all share it.

   I want Arians to go as much as anyone, but any old replacement won’t do. We need someone willing to sublimate his ego to the welfare of the team and to address the flaws we all see. Fortunately, it is easier to do that than to ‘cure cancer.’ It’s pretty basic, actually. The better playoff teams are all solid in these areas, and the Steelers were too at one time. The fix is largely a matter of direction and will, and that must come from the top, meaning Tomlin and Dan Rooney. In his recent news conference, Dan Rooney made many of the same points we have, although he was far more diplomatic, as he must be, and said nothing critical of any coach.

   In truth, there were times during the past season when I thought Arians might make the needed corrections himself, either under pressure or to preserve his own legacy. The Steelers ran the ball effectively, at times, including in the game against Denver. But Arians clearly dislikes running the ball, and he lacks the will to make the offense more balanced. We do not want or need Erhardt II, but we do need an OC with broader vision. With our quality QB and receiving corps, plus the bias of the NFL rules, the new OC should retain much of the aerial attack. But it must be balanced with a power running game behind better O-line play, and implemented with better play calling.

   We have been discussing these points for at least three years. Until this year, our defense was good enough to cover the flaws of the aerial circus, but no material progress was made to correct the flaws. Unlike the defense, which will require different personnel and more time to reach championship form, the offense has most of the pieces in place. The offensive fix can be made in 2012. It simply takes an OC with a more balanced approach to get the job done.

   Reply