Ariens Out = Ward In

I didn't have time to check whether this had been mentioned already, so please bear with me if it was.

Ed Bouchette was on 93.7 the Fan yesterday. He was asked to opine about which Steelers would be back and which Steelers would be gone before the start of the 2012 season. He said that he thought the chances of Ward being back are greater now that Bruce Ariens is gone.

I'll take that trade all day long!

 

Why is it that ward will stay since ariens is gone?

 

This is a great thing.Im liking this move by Mr. Rooney more and more.

 

Yeah, I don't get the connection. Ward is more likely to come back because we're going to run the ball more? Or is it that Arien's geared the O towards deep balls which exlcuded Ward's old legs?

 

I think the thought is that a new OC will utilize possession receivers such as Hines and Heath more rather than always look for the home run ball and ignore check downs. If an OC can get Ben to check down and find those guys and RBs over the middle and in the flat, the value of guys like Hines increases (esp. with Cotchery likely gone).

The two games that stick out that were the most "Un-Arians" games were Tennessee (Ben had bad foot, gameplan was to throw quick, short passes) and New England (same plan although no injury). Hines and Heath were both prominently featured in these games....Hines more so in the Tenn game when he had his only two TDs.

I'd love to see #86 back as he already has alluded to the fact that he would renegotiate his contract. He can still help this team given the right offense!!

 

The assumption would be a new OC would put more emphasis on possession receiving versus big throws downfield which plays to Ward's strengths. Personally I'd rather still see one of the younger guys take over that role because I think they'd gain more yards after the catch due to their speed which Hines just doesn't have anymore and it hurts me to say that because he's been a favorite of mine for a long time.

 

hines is one of our best linemen in the run game.

 

Why? because I believe Hines was and still may be our best red-zone threat(shout-out to Heath too.) and BA for some strange reason couldn't see that.You can't teach experience and Hines has that in spades.

 

Read in some recent article that stated Hines was steadily being minimized in BA's offensive schemes so it's not surprising that a new OC may rejuvenate his career. I can see him back in the 50+ catch range next year!

 

I'd certainly agree with you there.

 

Not sure if it will be that many but he definitely wont be riding the pine like he was this year....

 

Yes he is and it goes a little deeper....It is the way he plays his game that makes him that effective....This is why he has been begging to run the ball more...He wants the DB'S to think run 1st. which allows him more space and room,,,it also forces Safety help in the box this gives more room to operate in the passing game and creates better blocking angles for the WR'S.....

So yes BA being gone should equal a better Team in all aspects of the game.....The 1 running play and the Empty sets just gave to much away...Ward is a Team player and wants what's best for the Team probably the reason BA didn't like him....BA wanted what was best for the Passing game and is why he no longer has a job....

 

Speculating that the yet-to-be-named OC will utilize possession receivers more is a bit of a stretch, don't you think?

 

Nope not really.....Because whoever gets the gig will want to do as Art as told them....This means the better blocking WR'S will be on the field more often thus they have a chance to catch more balls....

The Love for the Deep Ball left with BA ,it is now time to set up the deep ball and use it when it makes sense.....3rd. and long from your own 10 against the Ravens is not the time to call such a play and BA did that all the time....

 

Seeing as though the team thought a change was necessary, Rooney acknowledged Ben needs to take fewer sacks, and the success that we had when used a quick release approach this year, I think it is fair to speculate that we won't be bringing someone in that is exactly like Arians and we won't be running the exact same offense. That being said, I think it's fair to speculate that possession receivers such as Hines and Heath have increased value.

 

I still think we need Hines on the team and is still valuable. He may not be the fastest man but he can still catch and BLOCK.

 

Yes, I think Bouchette has a point, maybe the OC will actually call more possession type plays as opposed to let's chuck it on 15-20 yard routes every play. Ben should have been looking for Ward during last year's final SB drive, not Wallace as Ward was getting open in those soft zones. At least they would have moved the ball to the 40 or 30 and had a shot or two to put it in the end zone.

Then again Hines (and he may be my fave Steeler of all time) had his share of dropsies this year. Personally - I would rather keep Cotchery.

 

well hines is the best blocking WR ever in the NFL for our running game? maybe? and justthat arians had no more use for hines...

 

haha. i love the optimism on here. "hines to take on a bigger role!! YAAAAY!!" everyone wants us to mimic the packers and saints while simultaneously celebrating a shift in offensive philosophy that would focus on a short passing game highlighting our 36-year old receiver in the twilight of his career.

?!

 

Just what this team needs, a 36yr old 5th WR who can't play special teams, can't get open and drops the ball and if he comes back at the vet minimum makes $1MM/yr.

Well, all you guys who want the Steelers to have cheerleaders will get your wish. The one next year will be wearing #86.

 

I love Hines for what he DID.

With how much the Steelers are over the cap, combined with his diminishing skills, I don't see him coming back.

 

he must have been open for them to throw him the ball to drop.

 

I love Hines,But I hope he does'nt see alot of playing time. We need to develop our young guns.Hines basically is in the way.He's meant sooo much to the Steelers.It's sad.We need to move forward.

 

Considering Ward will work with the Steelers on restructuring,
With Ba gone Wards chances just got better. Hines has 1 more left in the tank.