Is Bruce Arians leaving after this year?

You know, it seems like for the past 4 years, the most consistently polarizing debate on the Steelers MB's have been about BA. Sure there have been the one-off events like the Ben scandals, the Harrison scandals (i.e. not going to the White House, getting his 2 yo sons face ripped off by a pitbull, beating up the gf, etc), the Jeff Reed firing, and so and so forth that have polarized the fan base. But the fact that this BA debate just doesn't go away and is so polarizing to the fans, should be a freaking wake up call for Tomlin. How can the greatest NFL franchise of all time continue to tolerate a below average offensive output when we have arguably top tier talent at all of the skill positions? Why do the Steelers tolerate not having a top 5 OC? It is disappointing and I realize that nothing I could ever do or say would ever convince a BA apologist that he isn't even an average OC and on the other side, no one can convince me that he is responsible for the Steelers success.

 

Can't have a top 5 everything. The Packers don't have a top 5 defense. Nor do they have a top 5 run game. I've state this before, all teams have deficiencies. The teams that over come deficiencies with their strengths give themselves the best chance to win. If fans were not complaining about BA, it will be someone else.

Fans of this team overrate the talent on offense. Especially at the QB position. Fans like to place Ben in the same category as Brees, Brady, and Rodgers. He is not in that class of QB. IMO, he is the biggest reason this offense doesn't produce more points. Ben's had plenty of opportunities to put TD's on the score board in the long passing game and the red zone. He didn't get the job done. If Ben managed to throw for 11 or 12 more TD's, the Steelers would be a top 5 scoring offense this season. There is a direct correlation in QB TD production and scoring offense rank. The NFL is a QB driven league, not and OC driven league. Not one OC makes 100 million dollars.

It appears that some fans overrate the talent a long the Oline. Maybe it's not the talent on the Oline. Injuries killed the Oline more then any other factor over the past few seasons. Considering all the injuries on the Oline this season, the coaches did a good job putting a winner on the field.

Like it or not, BA played a role in this team's success. Ben's become one of the better 2 min QB's in the game under Arians' tutelage. Without that 2 min offense, the Steelers probably lose a few more games. A couple of those games could had been in the playoffs.

 

Like I said, I'm not changing your mind and you won't change mine. There really aren't any new arguments after 4 years debating the same thing.

F.B.A.I

 

Granted, a top 5 everything isn't likely. But must we settle for 20th in scoring offense?? We have more threats on our O than just about everybody, yet can't score consistently. Doesn't that concern all the BA lovers just a bit?

:FBAI!:

 

What's the object in playing the game, gain more yards or score more points? If the correct answer is score points (and it is!) points scored is the number you look at to see how well an OC is doing his job. We're 20th in that category!

:FBAI!:

 

We have the talent at the skill positions to be much better than what we are offensively. I agree with the statement above, we put up lots of yards, points...not so much.

BA will claim after the season again look at our stats. We could have 2 1000 yard receivers, a 1000 yard rusher, and a 4000 yard Pro Bowl QB...he must be doing something right. We should be putting up more points than we are...period. We could have a better offensive line, but does anyone wonder why we are so set on passing the ball deep all the time, when you have an oline that isn't very good. This on its face is illogical. New Orleans has over a 100 completions to their running backs, I think 125 or so. We have 40 some. Why don't we at least use the short passing game as a running game?

 

I wrote my feelings why I don't believe the Steelers don't score more points. The inconsistent play at the QB position is the biggest reason. If Ben was able to to throw for 30+ TD's, the scoring offense will be in the top 5. Ben's had the opportunity to produce more TD's.

He is a list of the top 5 scoring offenses and QB's TD contributions to that rank.

1) Packers - Rodgers - 45 TD passes, 3 rush TD's.
2) Saints - Brees - 41 TD passes, 1 rush TD
3) Patriots - Brady - 36 TD passes, 3 rush TD's
4) Lions - Stafford - 36 TD passes, 0 rush TD's
5) Panthers - Newton 20 TD passes, 14 rush TD's

It appears to crack the top 5 scoring offenses, the QB must produce 30+ TD's. Ben hasn't proven to be the type of QB that puts a lot of points on the board. The offense is what it is with Ben as the QB. I don't believe another OC will be able to improve on Ben's inconsistencies or change the way he plays the game. That being said, it takes more then scoring points to win n the NFL. I don't care where the team ranks statistically as long as they continue to win games.

 

Exactly! That's exactly how the Rooneys feel as well because that's what puts asses in the seats and that's why firing or not resigning BA won't even be a thought unless or until we start having losing seasons. Big picture (wins and losses) is the only thing that matters at the end of the day. The average Steeler fan around the world probably doesn't even know who the hell BA is.

 

BURGH43STEL: I get what you are saying about Ben and a QB needing to score that many TD's to be a top 5 scoring offense. The issue I have with your stance is that the OC should be designing plays, formations, schemes, and at the right time, i.e. reacting to what the D is giving and then taking advantage. You make it sound as if only your QB is responsible for scoring points. And while he is definitely a factor, your OC has to be able to put the O in a position to score by calling the right plays at the right time, which is the biggest knock on BA. He could have a top 5 scoring O if he wasn't so stubborn. As people like to point out, this team moves the ball well and racks up a lot of yards. However, it is only between the 20's. They can't get in the EZ. And I can't believe that you are laying that solely on BR's shoulders. Is Ben the guy who designs and calls the 5 WR empty backfield on 3rd and 3 from inside the 10? Is Ben the guy who designs and calls a delayed draw to mini-memo on 3rd and 10+? Is Ben the guy who calls Rashard's number four straight plays running behind a BU C and below average RG from the 2 for no gain and no points? I don't believe he is responsible for those things, but if he is, then the problem with BA is even worse than I thought. There is certainly a component of poor execution that Ben and the other men on the field are responsible for. But if the O's inability to score was fundamentally an execution problem, then it would be more sporadic and inconsistent. These problems has been consistent and blatant for 4 years. The play design and play calling in scoring position is at the root of our O's inability to put up the points they should be. Ben could and should be in the list of QB's you mentioned in your poconsidering the many weapons available to him. BA is just too stubborn

 

I've watched a couple of break downs of the Steelers offense on match up shows and chalk talk. There are well designed plays in the offense. Every play call isn't going to work because the other guys get paid. Since the team moves the ball between the 20's, it proves that many plays were called at the right time. People like to suggest that the offense is completely inept. That's simply untrue. Why do people attempt to sum up the offense based on a handful of plays? How about all the plays that had success?

I suggest to you that they had difficulty in the red zone because of the inconsistencies at the QB position. When the passing windows and coverage gets tighter, Ben had more difficulty executing the passes. We've seen what this offense can do when Ben played well. When Ben struggled, the offense generally struggled. This is somewhat how it goes: Ben played well, Arians called a great game. Ben played poorly, the game plan stunk.

Most of the blame should fall onto the shoulders or BR. He is the leader of the offense. He is the man that's mostly responsible for getting the ball into the end zone. The offense is designed around Ben and the plays he likes to execute. The offense has been sporadic and inconsistent with Ben as the QB. Take a look at Ben's up and down play over the years. It appears it's always going to be that way based on the way Ben plays the game. Another OC isn't going to change the way Ben plays the game. Another OC isn't going to transform Ben into something that he is not. I am glad the Steelers have a good QB. But he hasn't been the type of QB that's going to help an offense produce a lot of points. He's the type of QB that helps his team win games. It's going to take a change at OC for some of you to reach that conclusion. Then again, some people will blame BA for ruining Ben. hahaha

 

BA will claim after the season again look at our stats. We could have 2 1000 yard receivers, a 1000 yard rusher, and a 4000 yard Pro Bowl QB...he must be doing something right.............. I dont know what I would give to be in the room and to be able to ask him ,why then are we 20th in scoring?

 

I feel people blame BA to much. I feel that way because he doesn't step one foot onto the football field. Ben's is the guy that's supposed to put the ball into the end zone.

The plays are some how well designed and the selection is good until they get into the red zone. See how that works? The coaches give Ben options. The passing game is designed around Ben and the plays he likes to execute. It's Ben's job to deliver in the red zone. The opportunities for Ben to throw more TD's were there. He's fallen short in TD production.

 

may i chime in guys? ben is ultimately responsible for where the ball goes on any given play. he is supposed to get it to the weak spot of the defense. every play gives him lots of options. he also has the responsibility to change the play per what look the defense gives him. he does call the plays when they are in the hurryup and he does like to go 5 wide by his own addmission, and yes even on 3rd and short. people don't seem to understand that in the pro game , if a play is called, the qb has the option to change it, call time out or run it to an open spot or weak spot of a said defense. it's not like HS where they run the play that's called every time.

 

They do, and I almost get the sense that to counter that you put all the blame on Ben. Just an observation. Anyway,

I suppose he could just be having an off year but I suspect that the play calling down in that area hasn't been up to snuff. As the QB though, I do agree Ben has to shoulder some of the blame.[/quote:dtsru40x]

there have been other years with ben we have struggled in the redzone too. moving the ball in between the twenties so well gives you alot more opportunities to make them count though. mendy has helped our redzone production alot more than parker did. i see way to many wasted plays in the redzone. not all ben either. we have had more turnovers this year down there then i can remember, and by vets that usually don't have them.

 

Interesting that the offense always moves the ball more efficiently when they scrap Arians' playcalling and go no huddle.

 

Arians is a lot like Todd Graham: thinks he has a high octane offense, when fact is it isn't.

 

They do, and I almost get the sense that to counter that you put all the blame on Ben. Just an observation. Anyway, Ben has done well in the redzone in the past, not sure why he would suddenly struggle now with even more weapons at his disposal. I suppose he could just be having an off year but I suspect that the play calling down in that area hasn't been up to snuff. As the QB though, I do agree Ben has to shoulder some of the blame.[/quote:3bqqfiy8]
It seems the issues is that fans expect the offense to be better then 20th in the league in ppg based on the talent. I don't feel that way. I am satisfied that this teams coaches and players find ways to win game regardless of the issues or rankings.

I believe Ben shoulders most of the blame for the offenses inconsistency. The QB is the most important player on most offenses. He should shoulder most of the blame when the offense doesn't perform as some fans expect. As I stated, when Ben performed well, the offense looked good. When he performed poorly/inconsistently, the offense struggled. Ben's biggest issue is maintaining enough consistency to take this offense to a higher level. That's for the people that are concerned with where this offense ranks statistically.

Not all of the issues are because of Ben. The injuries on the Oline were beyond Ben's or the coaches control. Penalties were another issue that can't be controlled outside of the individuals that commit them.

 

That's not necessarily true. The no huddle doesn't always produce. Not sure if they move the ball more efficiently. Any data to back up that statement? I can think of a couple of reasons why they don't go no huddle more often this season. 1) Injuries on the Oline. 2) In experience at the WR position. There are other reasons.

In any event, who is the guy responsible for the formations, suggesting the plays Ben calls, tutoring Ben in different aspects of the no huddle, or designing the plays they implement in the no huddle? IMO, this game boils down to execution regardless of what they run on offense. The no huddle is only as good as the QB's execution. Same can be said for an offense in general.

 

Totally agree about another OC changing Ben. If anything it may deter Ben from becoming what and who he is now and in the future.

Bman

 

The AFC North teams are the hardest to score against in the league. No team in the AFC North has let up 300 pts this year. Every other division has at least two teams that let up more than 300 pts. I did not do the math to compare, but the AFC North (steelers play 6 games within the division) has built teams to stop scoring and they do. You win by scoring morethan the team you are currently playing not by scoring more than a team playing some weak defenses all the time.

You cannot compare Roethlisberger with Brees, Rodgers or Brady. These QBs run the play that the OC gives them. Roethlisberger does not run the play, but runs around trying to make his own play up. It is fun to watch and he wins. I don't think Arians could or should try to change Roethlisberger. If they want a scoring offense they should get a different ( I did not say better) QB. A good example for great play calling is with Tebow. Denver did not try to make Tebow into what he is not and they have had (at least temporary success).

Arians is doing a good job with what he has and Roethlisberger should be happy that he has a coordinator that works with his strengths rather than trying to make him into Brady, Brees, Manning, or Rodgers. Those guys who can drop a ball into the smallest openings make the OC look like a genius.