Steelers Playcalling..........Beautiful!

by SteelChad88 on Jan 12, 2009 11:02 AM EST Comment 14 comments

First of all, I have to give credit where it is due, the O-line won that game for us. Willie Parker played a solid game and Ben threw darts all day hitting Hines Ward, Santonio Holmes, and Heath Miller. But it would have never happened without that fantastic play by the O-line, I don't know about you guys but Ben looked like he was flying first class in the pocket....just relaxing back there!! I couldn't believe it and his confidence was prevelant.

But my big shoutout has to go to Bruce Arians. What?? Yeah, I said it, Bruce Arians!! The playcalling was beautiful last night, I felt like I was dreaming. From the fake pitches, to the bootlegs, and the "fake punt," it was like we have been playing like this all season, it looked second nature. we controlled the clock, the 3rd quarter was ridiculous, and we established the run early and throughout the rest of the game. Just beautiful, I got to give credit to Bruce and also to Ben for coming out there and shutting up the critics.

It seemed like that concussion cleared the fog up in Bens head because he played brilliant.

The only dissapointment I had was with our defensive coverage, although we were solid, we gave up big passes and that is something we definatley canot do to the Ravens. If we play like we did on Sunday against the Chargers, then the Ravens will have a tough day.

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Arians has proven he can put a good game plan together now and again, especially against mediocre defenses. He also has the benefit of going against a VERY tired and beat up Ravens team next week. The real and ultimate test may come against the Eagles, though.

I just hope Tomlin has the guts to fire him no matter what.

charity standing orders

by BadMaafala on Jan 12, 2009 11:27 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

Well now, ...

I’ve never said that BA is God’s gift to offensive schemes, but at some point players must execute—and be at peak health to do so. I submit that yesterday is the first time that he has had the team at full strength and virtually everybody performing at their A game. I’m not sure firing is in order even if the team doesn’t win the Super Bowl.

by tenthmtnman on Jan 12, 2009 11:37 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

One thing that makes me nervous is that if we lose this week that aarians has done just enough to keep his job next season…ugghhhhhh

I'll drink your Milkshake, I'll drink it up!

by drinkyourmilkshake on Jan 12, 2009 11:39 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

Disagree

Thought the worst part of the Steelers yesterday was the coaching. Early on FWP had some big runs and then the FB disappeared. Did anyone notice how many great blocks McHugh had to spring the Fast One?
BA had nothing the entire first half! How can you praise that? Holmes punt return TD kept the Steelers in the game and Ben improvising out of the no huddle got them another late TD. True the O improved in half two, but SD was wearing down. Certainly BA is not a genius for regularly using the non athletic Carey Davis for 3 3rd down screens (of which he picked up 0 first downs) or giving him the ball at the goal line (which he almost fumbled and failed to get TD) on a 4th and 1?
While I’m glad Tomlin played to win I disagree with going on 4th down if the play is a hand off to Carey Davis! Kick the FG there Coach. Make it a 2 TD game. The fake FG was also a gaffe in my opinion. Punt there, bottle SD up deep and play your Championship D.
IMO this game was won by the players not the coaches or game plan. Big plays by Woodley, Foote, Holmes and FWP. Big game by Ben and Hines. Glad Tomlin got his first playoff W. Glad he didn’t coach like Cowher did his first 14 years. I like Tomlin. Still think BA is a sorry excuse for a OC and think we win despite him.

When You Run The Ball Good Things Happen

by 5020 on Jan 12, 2009 12:07 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

I’m usually on board with Fitty, but this is the second time today I have at least partially disagreed with him.

Execution was at a high level, yes, but a good game plan makes execution easier. We’ve all been clamouring for an offensive identity, we’ve all wanted to see some consistent running, well, we got it. Run, run, run, play action, throw deep. That’s an identity, and it worked. Did we miss on some deep balls? Did Moore miss a huge block on 3rd down? Sure did, but if we’re going to credit the players for good execution in the run game, they should also get the credit when they don’t execute. The point is that we had players in position to make plays, we kept the defense off balance, and we moved the ball consistently.

I actually think Arians coached at least as well as LeBeau, with the secondary seeming absolutely shocked that Phillip Rivers was allowed to throw the ball.

charity standing orders

by BadMaafala on Jan 12, 2009 1:49 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Hear Ya 45

I’m probably being overly critical of Boob Arians. He did make some excellent calls in the second half but was absent in the first. Still cringing over three 3rd down passes to Carey freakin Davis and the 4th and 1 hand off to the guy. Davis didn’t produce one 1st down all year. Moore on the passes and Russell on the run were the correct calls there.

When You Run The Ball Good Things Happen

by 5020 on Jan 12, 2009 2:47 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

If davis would actually fight for his friggin yards he might get more support.

by steelguy99 on Jan 12, 2009 2:54 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Play calling

I liked the calls yesterday. We need to do more of the misdirection (fake pitches, bootlegs etc.) Especially against an agressive Def like BAL. I’m also glad to see the reverses (and fake Reverse) called. The more the Ravens have to think about, the better. Also, mixed in enough plays of BB taking a shot downfield.

by fiveSBrings72 on Jan 12, 2009 12:24 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

I sincerely hope we don’t try any reverses against the ravens – they will stuff it all day long.

by steelguy99 on Jan 12, 2009 12:32 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

super bowl or not

its gonna be hard to be competitive in the future with an offense ranked over 20th

by indianasteelers on Jan 12, 2009 12:45 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Timing

Its really more about stretching the field. Making the safeties respect the run. Who cares if we don’t break off a 20 yrd run on a reverse. If you wait until a crucial 3rd and long, maybe not a great idea. But, if WP is even a little successful on toss sweeps, the reverses keep the Defense honest.

by fiveSBrings72 on Jan 12, 2009 12:46 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

The ravens always sniff out our crap and stuff it.

by steelguy99 on Jan 12, 2009 1:02 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Loved the playcalling

I’m no Arians defender, but that was a thing of beauty. But Willie looked like a different back then he did most of the season, even playcalling aside. Makes you think that maybe BA is not as bad as he looked this season. After all, this offense did lose two starting linemen, their backup RB, and, for most of the season, their starting RB.

But the aggressiveness was out of sight! I can never remember the Steelers being that aggressive in the playoffs with their playcalling. Fake punts and fourth down attempts: yowza! Look out Balt-ee-more.

by CarlWeathersMustache on Jan 12, 2009 12:57 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

I agree with the 'Stache.

I liked the pooch punt, the fake punt, going for it on fourth down, the bombs, and the reverse. Even though a lot of these things listed didn’t even work, it’s something for defenses to consider from here on out.

by Jonny B. on Jan 12, 2009 7:53 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs