I Think Arians Will Be Canned After the Season

by Hines Ward on Dec 24, 2008 5:14 AM EST Comment 26 comments

Excerpt from Mike Tomlin's press conference today in the Tribune-Revlew:

"Whether he stands behind oft-criticized offensive coordinator Bruce Arians:

It is so not the time to talk about that, truth be known. We're singularly focused on the men we have in our circle. I won't even dignify that (question) with an answer."

And there you have it. Tomlin CLEARLY sidestepped this question, and for good reasons, but the fact he did not vehemently defend Arians tells me everything I need to know about Arians' future in Pittsburgh, as in, there IS no future for Arians in Pittsburgh.

Tomlin is not a stupid man. He has a better view of what is happening on the field than any single one of us. He knows our creativity on offense is severely lacking. He knows our line is atrocious (and yes, I do believe Zierlein will be gone, too). And you can just tell the immense amount of respect Tomlin has for Ben Roethlisberger and his desire to continue to develop him. For that matter, I think maybe this experience with Arians has been great for Ben. He has finally taken that next step in his growth in terms of having more say over the playbook, to the point he sometimes gets to call his own plays on the field (in the no-huddle). Arians has certainly taken the clamps off Ben in ways Ken Whisenhunt probably never would have. But Tomlin also has a bird's-eye-view of every single criticism of Arians that has been analyzed time and time again on this very blog, and knows he just isn't going to get the job done in the long-term.

Now I'm certainly no "let's let the coaches coach and the front office do its thing because we have no right to criticize" kind of guy. I just honestly have faith in Coach Tomlin's decision-making, and truly believe he will do the right thing in doing some housecleaning of his coaching staff in the offseason. For those who criticize him for not getting rid of these guys after last year, it's extremely important to develop continuity in a system. It was these guys' first year working together. You make too many knee-jerk reactions, you never find out if that continuity can be developed. Obviously it never did develop in this case. It was definitely worth the gamble. And because we now know it is not going to develop, changes can be made. And I think they will.

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agreed

Great take. Nothing to add.

Only thing I might say in addition is Tomlin is no fool – he knows what the defense is doing is really amazing and historic. You can’t waste that kind of window to be great.

by Blitzburgh on Dec 24, 2008 6:07 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

It could ...

simply be that Coach Tomlin chooses not to say anything foolish now that will box him in later. It could be that he chooses not to worry about something now that is best left for unfettered reflection and level-headed thinking later. It could be that at 11-4 and in the playoffs with a very good team, Coach Tomlin feels that what needs fixing ain’t the OC. It could also be that Coach Tomlin knows the value of “family secrets” and chooses not to discuss things in an open forum that are best left behind closed doors. And finally, it could be that Coach Tomlin is not one of those guys who will pop off the cuff on matters that require thoughtful discussion. He may get canned and the Steelers Offense may be better next year, but it will probably improve because the players play better and the ball hits the ground only when the offense wants it to do so.

by tenthmtnman on Dec 24, 2008 7:36 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

Amen

No offense to our friend Hines Ward, but I think this is a case of reading between the lines where there’s only one line.

by Varmint on Dec 24, 2008 10:42 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

O RLY?

If Arians is still a Steeler by next season I will be very surprised.

by sn0wballz on Dec 24, 2008 8:19 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

Good Post!

I was wrong about Tomlin when they hired him. I am starting to like this guy. The D has improved, the special teams coverage has improved, the player’s act and speak more professionally (I am a Cowher fan but he stunk in this department), first draft was excellent…

But the O is very sub-par in execution, design and creativity. Can’t see a guy like Tomlin standing for that too long

by Steelers fan in Boston on Dec 24, 2008 9:29 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

One very minor point

the O is very sub-par in execution, design and creativity.

No OC can get creative or develop bold play designs when the O-line can’t get the basics right and the QB misses half a season’s worth of practices. We can’t run a draw, fer cryin’ out loud.

Believe me, I’m no fan of Arians, but let’s be realistic about this season.

by Varmint on Dec 24, 2008 10:52 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

for me

the greatest indictment of Arians was his lack of adjustments this season. The O line played poorly all year but they are just as large and strong as the other linemen in the NFL. They weren’t given the right blocking schemes nor was the offense geared to their strengths and this falls on the line coach and the offensive coordinator. How many games this year was the offense ineffective the entire first half and came out the second half running the same plays and blocking the same way? The only thing that saved several games was that in desperation Ben had to go to the no-huddle and call his own plays. That is what has infuriated me and I imagine alot of the Steeler Nation about Arians this year. It is also the main reason he has to be let go, along with Zierlein. While we are wielding the ax, may I suggest nudging Colbert towards the chopping block? His lack of action to address what was going to be an obvious deficiency on the line this year is enexcusable. Oh, I’m sorry, I forgot, he paid Max Starks 6 million dollars more than he was worth so I guess he did take some action.

by qwikdoc on Dec 24, 2008 11:57 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

A draw is one of the easiest plays to run (may not work because it is a hit or miss play) and the fact that they don’t do it well speaks to a lack of execution and sub-par coaching.

I am forced to watch the Pats every week where I live. Their screen game and draw game makes us look JV. They are not doing it with a bunch of high round guys. It is better design, coaching and commitment.

You are totally right our talent is not up to snuff. But a creative draw and screen game take the least amount of talent up front compared to a power run game and solid pass protection. Our linemen run ok and Hines, FWP, MM would all be good screen guys. We don’t even try.

by Steelers fan in Boston on Dec 25, 2008 11:03 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Arians

I think the guy is horrible! I hope they can his A$$! We have way too many talents on offense to do 30 1 yard run plays a game!

Every day brings future to past, every breath leaves me one less to my last. DT

by usmcsdi69 on Dec 24, 2008 2:00 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Tomlin reminds me of the Terminator

The more you listen to him. He has one mission and only one mission and he will not allow anything to intervene with him getting a Super Bowl at the soonest possible time. That bodes well in that I believe he will have the guts to make any difficult decision possible to make this team better.

I did find it curious that Arians is in the headlines while Zierlein is listed as an afterthought in the middle of the text in parantheses. I would have reversed those two names.

Thoughtful discussion with a sense of history

by maryrose on Dec 24, 2008 2:26 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

No Bull.

Tomlin will can Arians soley on the fact that the no huddle works better almost all the time. And I don’t believe it’s all because the defense is caught off guard. It’s because Ben sees things that Bruce doesn’t. It’s not healthy for an offense to have a coordinator that can’t see half the things the QB can. Ken could see what was happening, he would adjust accordingly. He would expose flaws in a defense with certain plays. In lamens terms, he kept it fresh. Any kid that ever threw a nerf ball could call predict 8/10 plays the Steelers run on any gameday. I don’t see Bruce being on the sidelines after this year. Ben seems to be trying to make Bruce’s schemes work and he’s putting forth the effort with little results. We all know what this offense is cabable of. Some overhauling in the offseason will do wonders. Lets hope we pay the money to keep this defense as one of the best for years to come. Ben got his tall reciever. I believe he’ll get his OC too.

by SoCalSteelerFan on Dec 24, 2008 4:22 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

I Agree

Based on Tomlin’s comments about the punting game not being up to snuff and changes being necessary, he has to stay they same about the offense and offensive line. Tennessee game plan was real simple, stay in your rush lanes and make Ben hold the ball, when u get to him make him fumble. The offensive line cannot hold up against a 4 man rush is indicative of the the lack of coaching and development by Zierlien. Also, teams have caught up to the bunch WR set and the TE’s blocking is definitely below par. Constantly seeing LB’s crashing down on Spaeth, Heath, and McHugh to cause a run loss

by 72Steeler on Dec 25, 2008 12:00 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

I agree with your points Hines. I had a bad feeling about Arians from the start……failed in Cleveland, we wanted him why?
Also – Zierlein became a suspect from the moment he hit the “Send” button two years ago on that pornographic e-mail. Why kind of character does the guy have when he makes a “mistake” like that as he starts the biggest and best job of his career?
Only two guys I like on this line are Komo (love it when he pulls and leads to the right), and our new center Hartwig……although it could just be that he’s been so much better than Mahan.

by SteelerNorth on Dec 25, 2008 3:05 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Linemen

Honestly I like Maxamillion starks. Problem is we just wont let him be at RT where he is best. He anchored that spot for like what 30 some games?

Kemo whiffs a lot.
Hartwig is good
Stapler plays well
Colon is the worst I’ve ever seen.

by Mechem on Dec 25, 2008 5:30 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I have to agree

starks is doing solid. Like you said though, I’d rather see him at RT where he was when we won the 5th ring.

Kemo is a work in progress, has a lot of potential but has yet to really show the awareness of the game.

Hartwig is solid. He does a good job of taken his man one on one and alot of the time is asked to help out Stapleton.

Stapleton does a pretty good job, especially for an undrafted free agent. Hes pretty aware and has enough altheticism to work counters and such. However, like I already said, I do see Hartwig lending him a hand more often than not.

Colon………………..should be no more than a back up.

by shleeve on Dec 25, 2008 9:31 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

colon

At the K-Mart shelf restocking position.

by Mechem on Dec 26, 2008 6:45 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I try to give him some slack

i never thought he was meant to be a starter anyway, just doesn’t have enough skill or awareness.

Plus, he has Z coaching him, which apparently isn’t all that great.

by shleeve on Dec 27, 2008 3:11 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I would give him slack

His play is borderline medium. I think he falls on blocks way too much.

My biggest issue is penalties. I mean he has literally killed so many drives. He flat out killed our game against NYG. We get that TD and were up too much for them to return on.

Here is something to consider:

Greg warren was injured on the following punt, the punt that followed after the nullified Touchdown.

Perhaps that freak accident DOESNT happen if willie colon doesnt screw that TD.

by Mechem on Dec 27, 2008 8:32 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Agree with all except...

I agree with the comments on Arians and Zierlan, but that’s what CHEAP Dan Rooney and the Steelers organization get for letting Whisenhunt (Wiz) AND Russ Grimm go. I can’t really fault Wiz going, especially with the way he has turned the Cardinals around, and quite frankly, I’m happy for Wiz and Cardinals fans. However, I would have given Russ whatever he asked for to get him to stay, including the head coaching job. Sorry Tomlin, I’m just not convinced that you are the guy, and I am an African-American from your native Hampton Roads Virginia area where you grew up and went to college, but I will also be the first one to say congratulations and how much of an idiot I was for not believing in you if the Steelers win another Super Bowl with you as their head coach.

They need to sh** can both Colon AND Stapleton to free up money to get a quality lineman to back up Marvel Smith and Kendall Simmons. Hartwig seems to be doing a pretty good job, but doesn’t the Center call the blocking schemes? If so, then Hartwig needs to call Jeff Hartings to get lessons..better yet, maybe the Steelers can hire Hartings as their O-Line coach…oh gee, but then that means the Rooney family would actually have to pay someone what they are worth…

On a side note, here’s another head scratcher…with all the great former Steeler players, and not just the ones who are still alive and in the Hall of Fame, why in God’s name don’t the Steelers hire some of those guys as coaches? Hmm, let’s see…the Rooney family is too cheap to pay them what they are worth maybe???

Finally, and most importantly, STOP PUTTING THE GAME IN BEN’S HANDS!! He is no Petyon Manning or Tom Brady. For all your Ben lovers, I like the guy, but he just does not have the accuracy, or maybe he and his receivers are just not on the same page, whatever the case may be, to make plays consistently in the passing game. I still think he is messed up from and has not been the same since his motorcycle accident. If he wants to play to his potential, then Ben needs to go back to playing to what are his obvious strengths, which are moving out of the pocket, throwing when moving out of the pocket, and when receivers aren’t open, tuck the ball securely, run for the first down, and for God’s sake, learn how to get down and slide so he doesn’t screw up his head and body more than I think they already are. If Ben would just do what I just recommended, if they let Mewlede Moore start in place of Willie Parker, if they use either Gary Russell or Cary Davis on short distance downs or bring back Najeh Davenport, and if they tried putting in some trick plays using Dennis Dixon a la Randle El, that would keep the offense on the field long enough and possibly even score enough points to give the defense a good enough rest to let them, i.e. the defense, win the game for them.

If anyone wishes to contact me to agree or curse me out, either or, I can be reached at rsgrayson@msn.com.

Go Steelers!

by RogerG on Dec 25, 2008 10:45 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Bring back, Dookie!

Now you’re talking. I’m sure as soon as Indy cuts him, will be knocking on his door.

by Jonny B. on Dec 25, 2008 10:52 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Please stop calling them cheap!

They spend as much money as any other team in the league. The difference is that they lock up their own players that they drafted rather than signing people for way too much money in free agency. See Troy Polamalu with a huge contract, Ike Taylor with a good contract, Hines Ward with a good contract, Ben with a monster contract.

Hate on coaches all you want, but I believe that the rooney’s have earned any steelers fan’s respect. If you disagree with their methodology go be a fan for some other ownership that “isn’t cheap”. See where that gets you?

On a few other points. Both Colon and Stapleton are cheap and would make good backups. Stapleton I think could start with other pieces in place around him. I agree that Dixon should see the field in a Slash role from time to time. I think you’re limiting your options keeping him out.

by Chicago Steeler on Dec 26, 2008 10:08 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah.

Isn’t there this thing called the salary cap in the NFL? Aren’t we usually right up against it like all the other teams Sure we have let a lot of free agents go that still had tread on the tire (Woodson, Lake, Brown, Porter), but we also chose wisely not to pay the kind of money the market was allowing (O’Donnell, Bell, Thigpen, Faneca). Don’t confuse cheap with frugal.

In short, whatever the Roonies are doing seems to be working just fine. Thank you.

by Jonny B. on Dec 26, 2008 10:29 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

The Rooners are not cheap

they are not even frugal. The NFL system, the best in all of professional sports, is one of resource management. All franchises have an equal salary cap and the Steelers have traditionally spent the limit. They don’t play games like Jerry Jones does with “cash over cap,” but they manage their resources as well as anyone. Not overpaying one commodity so that other commodities can be secured can never be misconstrued as cheap. It’s called smart. And regarding front office and basic human generosity, the Rooneys are second to none and have been for 76 years. The Chief is legendary for the extras he gave in various ways. The put name “Rooney” in the same sentence as the word “cheap” is very disheartening to hear.

Thoughtful discussion with a sense of history

by maryrose on Dec 26, 2008 10:40 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Exactly Rose

Lord knows reading your posts through the years have taught me that above good football sense, these men are great people, and treat employee and stranger very well.

by Chicago Steeler on Dec 26, 2008 1:35 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Not cheap at all

Last I checked ben has a 9 figure contract. Not cheap.

They are smart. There is NOTHING cheap about letting go of people when the market demands more than their value.

You can consider it being cheap when they dropped Porter, but didnt we replace him with an all star?

Was it cheap to let go of Plaxico?

Its just good business. You dont overpay for something that you honestly DONT need desperately.

by Mechem on Dec 26, 2008 6:48 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

GETTING BACK ON POINT - BRUCE ERRORAINS (ARAINS)

This guy is a brick top – out there playing checkers while other coaches are playing chess.

We are talking about the same guy who did NOT call ONE half back screen during a blitz-crazy Eagles team – not One. Isnt this the first remedy to spank a blitz happy D? Yep but Arains stood on the sideline looking around dumbfounded like a shellshocked idiot he is. Oh but he did call a wide reciever screen – which any pee-wee coach would know takes too long to develop during a blitz.

Men are as good as the men who lead them – flat out. Arains is CRAP! If he is coaching next year it will be a huge disappointment to me.

by SOLO1906 on Dec 28, 2008 2:20 AM EST reply actions 0 recs