Mike Tomlin Has Intertwined His Own Fate With That of Bruce Arians’

Amongst all the controversy surrounding the third year offensive coordinator of the Pittsburgh Steelers, Mike Tomlin has made a move that has the majority of Steelers nation shaking their collective heads.

After a meeting that lasted several hours, Bruce Arians walked out of Tomlin’s office with his job intact. He will enter the final year of his contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers as their offensive coordinator.

Many non-Steelers fans may wonder why there was ever any controversy at all, considering the fact that Bruce Arians led his offense to the super bowl and won it just one season ago. Not to mention, he followed that up in 2009 with a season statistically better than the last.

The Steelers passing offense went from 15th in the league in 2008 to fifth best in the league in 2009. Their running game even improved from 23rd best in the league to 19th. But, probably the most telling stat is Pittsburgh’s offense overall went from being ranked 22nd in the league after the 2008 season to 7th best in the league after the 2009 season.

Considering that, why in the world would so many Steelers fans have a problem with their offensive coordinator and want him removed? Is it the fact that the season didn’t culminate in another super bowl victory? Or the fact that Pittsburgh didn’t even make the playoffs?

That is how many may see it, but I don’t think so.

Looking at the “bigger picture” it seems rather unfair that Arians and his offense would take the heat for the failed season, when it was the defense and special teams units whose performance dropped off from last season to this one.

Why would Dick Labeau be given a free pass, so to speak, when it was his unit who dropped from No.1 in the league in 2008 to No. 5 in the league this season?

Especially when considering how horrible the defense played at the end of games? They gave up leads of 10, 14, and even 21 points in the fourth quarter alone and allowed comeback victories in six of the Steelers’ seven losses.       

The offensive line coach Bob Ligashesky and special teams coach Larry Zierlein were not as lucky, as both were held responsible for their units failures and both were fired. The first such moves made by Tomlin since taking over the head coaching position in 2007.

I believe for anyone to understand the mentality of the people wanting Arians removed, one would have had to watch the Steelers games throughout the season. Because the answer obviously does not lie in the statistics; rather, the answer lies in what happened on the field…week in and week out.

Watching the football games it was clear that Arians does not have the capacity to call the right play at the right time, which is of utmost importance for an offensive coordinator to be capable of.

Arians’ tendencies to call the very same plays in similar situations led to a predictability that quite often resulted in busted plays, as the defense knew what was coming. His lack of imagination was second to none.

Arians’ failures in important game situations must not be overlooked either. Pittsburgh’s red zone performance, short yardage situations, as well as third down conversions were all near the bottom of the league. What good are great statistics if you are weak in scoring?

His playing “not to lose” style of football was apparent as he explained why they didn’t use Dennis Dixon to his full abilities. They did not want him to get hurt. That is playing with fear in your heart and is not the way football should be played or coached.

The same goes for when he would simply opt to let the clock run out at the end of the first half of several games instead of trying to move the ball down the field and attempt at least a field goal. He was afraid of turning the ball over. As it turned out, several of those games were lost by only three points.

Also, Arians’ offensive philosophies do not lend themselves to a good running game which is paramount to any team’s success. Balance is the key and we did not have it. No team should know that better than the Pittsburgh Steelers, who have become the most consistent team over the past forty years as a consequence.

Pittsburgh’s offensive success had less to do with Arians being a good offensive coordinator and more to do with the talent on the field. They truly played good games in spite of him, as they did in 2008, and that is clear to every Steelers fan.

How it remains unclear to Tomlin is beyond my explanation. He should have it in him to realize that statistics do not mean everything.

What was discussed behind Tomlin’s closed office door remains to be seen, but this much is true… whatever Arians does from here on out will reflect upon Tomlin every bit as much. As Tomlin turned the Steeler’s offense over to Arians for yet another season, despite popular opinion.

Tomlin has now taken responsibility for Arians, for better or worse, and their fates will forever be intertwined.

 

Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com

Mike Tomlin Keeps Bruce Arians On As Pittsburghs Offensive Coordinator

It has been reported since yesterday that Mike Tomlin fired offensive coordinator Bruce Arians.

It supposedly happened after his weekly news conference…sometime after 2p.m. on the 5th of January. It had not been confirmed and remained unofficial.

I even read an article on this very site… and my hopes were high.

As unfortunate as it is to say, new reports state that it is not the case.

Pittsburgh Post Gazette writer Gerry Dulac has reported that Bruce Arians will be retained as the team’s offensive coordinator.

Arians, who has a year remaining on his contract, had a long meeting today with Coach Mike Tomlin and was told he will return in that position in 2010.

 

Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com

The Pittsburgh Steelers OC Bruce Arians- Out With The Old, In With The New!

Now that the Pittsburgh Steelers season has come to a close, it is time to move on and start to think about the future.

 

Although that includes the entire team as a whole, I am focusing this article on one area of the team…the offense.

 

There has been a lot of talk recently about the job security that Bruce Arians may or may not have. I, for one, believe that for the Steelers to improve, they need to split ways with Bruce Arians or at very least demote him.

 

Although the offense has improved slightly this year over last, it has been two things that an offense should never be…very inconsistent and way too predictable.

 

The Steelers’ short yardage offense and red zone production was among the worst in the league.

 

When the team held a lead, the offense was never capable of grinding out the clock with a productive running game, despite having a great runner in Rashard Mendenhall.

 

The overwhelming amount of talent on the Steelers offense covered up its deficiencies and has unfortunately kept Bruce Arians on this team as the offensive coordinator for way too long.

 

So where do the Steelers go from here?

 

Most people would say that the first step is to fire Arians and start looking for a new offensive coordinator. However, I disagree.

 

Without getting into who should hold what position, let me explain where I feel the Steelers should go from here.

 

This would certainly be a bold move, but I feel they should eliminate the offensive coordinator position all together. There should be a quarterbacks coach, an offensive line coach, and a wide receiver coach.

 

Maybe Arians can remain on board as the quarterbacks coach since he has a good relationship with Roethlisberger, eliminating any ill will that would come from his firing.

 

However, I think that the offensive players themselves should make up the all-new “offensive coordinating team” with Ben Roethlisberger as their captain and play caller…the head honcho so to speak.

 

Of course, Roethlisberger would still have to answer to Tomlin, who would make the major in-game decisions such as whether or not to go for it on certain downs.

 

We wouldn’t want Roethlisberger’s head to get much bigger than it is already since he is prone to receiving concussions and a bigger head means a bigger target.

 

Talk about the Steelers entering the twenty-first century!

 

Who knows more about what the players are capable of than the players themselves?

 

It would be like a company selling stock to its workers who will then work harder as a result, in an attempt to benefit themselves. They would take an active interest in their own plays and would try that much harder to get the job done, as any failure would reflect badly upon themselves.

 

More accountability would be the key to this system’s success. Not to mention how much easier it would be to learn an offense that they helped make.

 

The players would take more pride in their accomplishments, making them try that much harder to prove their plays can work, week in and week out.

 

I am aware it may be a little tough to implement, but it is certainly doable. As Roethlisberger has already done it himself throughout the season in his no-huddle drills and in no-huddle game situations.

 

We all know the success that came along with that offensive set. It seemed to me that the only time the Steelers would score touchdowns is when Roethlisberger was calling the plays. So is it really that far-fetched?

 

I think it could work. A bold move that could pay dividends on the field as well as in their pocket books, as Roethlisberger gets paid enough to hold both position already.

 

Big Ben, the player…the coach…the legend. Sounds good to me.

 

 

Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com

The New York Jets Are Handed a No. 5 Seed in the Playoffs

Most NFL players will tell you that it is a great accomplishment to make it to the playoffs, as thirty-two different teams are fighting it out for twelve spots.

And it usually only gets harder as the season comes to a close.

Ask any member of the New York Jets and they may tell you an entirely different story.

Two weeks in a row the New York Jets have been practically handed a win, needing only to beat second and third string players.

It was almost laughable watching the Jets celebrate with every score knowing that my high school team could have done the same thing. 

The New York Jets have certainly received the best Christmas present of any team in the league, a No. 5 seed in the AFC playoffs, while many other teams got lumps of coal.

Lets see what the Jets can do with this opportunity. I, for one, don’t think they will do anything at all with it.

But wouldn’t it be nice to watch all the teams that folded this week lose in the next?

Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com

A Philadelphia Eagles Loss Drops Them From No. 2 to No. 6 Seed

In the crazy world of the NFL, a single game can hold plenty of ramifications for any team. But, that is putting it lightly for Philadelphia’s final game against the Dallas Cowboys.

A Philadelphia win and they win their division. They would enter the NFC playoffs as the No. 2 seed which includes a first round bye and home field advantage for at least one game, if not more.

A Philadelphia loss and they lose the division to Dallas who has them beat in a tie-breaker scenario. They would then enter the NFC playoffs as the No. 6 seed, losing the first round bye and losing home field advantage for any game.

They would have to win three road games on their way to the super bowl as opposed to only one home game and one road game, or two home games on their way to the super bowl.

What a world of difference their final game makes. An awful lot is riding on this game including the confidence they will need to make it all the way.

Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com

A Philadelphia Eagles Loss Drops Them From No. 2 to No. 6 Seed

In the crazy world of the NFL, a single game can hold plenty of ramifications for any team. But, that is putting it lightly for Philadelphia’s final game against the Dallas Cowboys.

A Philadelphia win and they win their division. They would enter the NFC playoffs as the No. 2 seed which includes a first round bye and home field advantage for at least one game, if not more.

A Philadelphia loss and they lose the division to Dallas who has them beat in a tie-breaker scenario. They would then enter the NFC playoffs as the No. 6 seed, losing the first round bye and losing home field advantage for any game.

They would have to win three road games on their way to the super bowl as opposed to only one home game and one road game, or two home games on their way to the super bowl.

What a world of difference their final game makes. An awful lot is riding on this game including the confidence they will need to make it all the way.

Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com

Pittsburgh Steelers Magic…Where There’s A Will, There’s A Way

The year was 2005. The Pittsburgh Steelers started the season with a record of 7-2, not much different than this season’s 6-2 start. They then went on a three game losing streak to bring their record to 7-5, hurting their playoff chances in the process.

 

Sound familiar?

 

They needed to win their final four games that year to capture the final spot in an extremely tight AFC playoff race.

 

A lot of people doubted it would happen. A lot more said that even if they did get in, they would not go very far.

 

Mere weeks after being all but counted out, not only did they win their final four games, the Steelers, taking the sixth and final seed into the playoffs, became the first team ever to win a Super Bowl without playing a single home playoff game.

 

After becoming the first sixth seed ever to win both a divisional playoff game and a conference championship, they defeated the NFC champion Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl XL to secure their league-tying fifth Super Bowl title.

 

In doing so, becoming the very first sixth seeded team to win it all; beating the AFC’s third seed, first seed, and second seed, before beating the NFC’s top rated seed.

 

Doubters plagued that season just the same as this. It’s human nature and it is understandable. But what I can’t understand is how Steelers fans can give up before their team is officially out, with that season still fresh in our minds.

 

Have you forgotten the Steelers magic?

 

They showed flashes of it throughout last season, culminating in their final drive, on their way to their sixth Lombardi Trophy. Santonio Holmes’ touchdown catch was one for the ages, and every bit as magical as the immaculate reception.

 

And no Steelers fan can tell me that Mike Wallace’s game winning touchdown against Green Bay did not bring back memories of the Super Bowl.

 

Nor can they tell me that the Steelers didn’t have luck on their side after watching Baltimore struggle to unsuccessfully keep those six points on the board at the beginning of the fourth quarter a week ago.

 

The pieces are falling into place, one way or another. And I, for one, believe that anything is possible, especially when considering the Steelers, who have proved over and over again that they are more than capable of bucking the odds.

 

I wasn’t surprised to see some “so called” Steelers fans jump ship during their five game slump. Every great team has them; the bandwagon fans.

 

What has surprised me is why so many more fans have given up on the season before the Steelers are mathematically out. Especially now that glimpses of the magic has reappeared.

 

I have seen it time after time, in one article after another. Very well known, and usually supportive Steelers fans have given up hope.

 

And although there is nothing wrong with accepting the inevitable, it is also OK to believe in something that may seem highly unlikely. It’s called having faith. We do it everyday of our lives.

 

What the Steelers need the most right now is support. And if they can’t get it from their own fans, who is going to give it to them? Isn’t that exactly what fans are supposed to be for?

 

Never give up hope, believe it can be done and it may just happen. The Pittsburgh Steelers were certainly down, but they were never out.

 

So what if they are relying on other teams to get in? That is no reason to think they can’t.

 

A holiday miracle is in the works. Keep the faith.

 

UPDATE–

Two people now have misinterpreted this article. They have mixed up fans who think there is a slight chance, but a chance nonetheless, with the “so called” fans of which i speak- who have been saying the season is over.

I just wanted to make that clear beforehand…in case you are thinking about mentioning the same thing in yet another comment.

Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com

Rescheduled Cincinnati Game Holds Tremendous Playoff Implications

Whose bright idea was it to reschedule Sunday’s Cincinnati game against the New York Jets to 8:30 p.m.? A game that originally was to be held at 1 p.m.

 

The Pittsburgh Steelers are counting on both the New England Patriots and the Cincinnati Bengals to fight for the third playoff seed, to have a reasonable shot at making the postseason.

 

Both games were originally scheduled at 1 p.m. which was ideal as both would have been fighting for the win.

 

With New England holding the tie-break against Cincinnati, a New England win at 1 p.m. makes Cincinnati’s game at 8:30 p.m. meaningless. They would more than likely sit any player with an injury and starters alike.

 

This change puts the Pittsburgh Steelers’ postseason chances in jeopardy and clearly should not be allowed.   

 

Whoever felt it was a good idea to reschedule this game clearly was not thinking of anything but the revenue it would make and ratings for the station.

 

Its a shame that after all the adversity Pittsburgh has had to overcome to stay in the hunt, the NFL themselves would make a move that would jeopardize the defending Super Bowl champion’s shot at making the post season.

 

Pittsburgh should protest this time change as soon as possible before its too late to be considered.

Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com

The Pittsburgh Steelers Playoff Scenario

Entering the final week of the NFL’s regular season, it is quite clear what needs to happen for the Pittsburgh Steelers to make it into the post season.

Besides winning in the final week against Miami, the Steelers need…

No. 1—The New England Patriots to beat the Houston Texans

and…

No. 2—Either the Cincinnati Bengals to beat the New York Jets or…the Oakland Raiders to beat Baltimore

UPDATE

Houston can beat New England and we would still have a chance… but it would be slight.

We would need Cincinnati to beat the Jets, Oakland to beat Baltimore, and Kansas City to beat Denver. 

———————————————————————————-

The Pittsburgh Steelers need help from two teams next week. One being New England and the other being either Cincinnati or Oakland.

If New England and Cincinnati were fighting for something the Steelers would have a great chance. But do you think either team cares more about who is going to be the third or fourth seed in the playoffs, or resting their injured players and making sure none of their starters get hurt?

I would bet on the latter, but I’m not sure that all hope is lost.

UPDATE #2

It has been established that neither New England or Cincinnati should want to lose considering the fact that if both move on in the bracket, the #4 team would have to head to the #3 teams home field…and since they have the same record at the moment, they better try their best.

———————————————————————————-

Yet, I think the Steelers best hope lies in what has helped them over the past two weeks…destiny.

No one can tell me the game winning TD against Green Bay did not bring back memories of the super bowl. And no one can tell me that the Steelers didn’t have luck on their side after watching Baltimore struggle to unsuccessfully keep those six points on the board at the beginning of the fourth quarter.

I, for one, believe that anything is possible. And not only is it possible for the Steelers to make it to the playoffs, it seems to me that there are forces at work making sure it happens.

Maybe the Steelers truly are a blessed team.

Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com

The Jerome Bettis Show contradicts Yahoo Playoff Scenarios

Jerome Bettis, the running back of the Steelers’ recent past, is a hero to a lot of Steelers fans including myself.

His straight ahead, north-south running style was the signature of the Steelers smash mouth offense that has now become more of a pass oriented offense.

Watching his show last night I was shocked to see what they thought needed to happen for the Steelers to remain in playoff contention.

This is what was listed…

1) The Steelers need to win out.

2) Every single AFC team at 7-7 needed to lose a game except Tennessee, who we beat head-to-head.

and most importantly…

3) The Steelers needed Baltimore to lose to Oakland in the final week.

Over the past week, people on this site have debated the NFL playoff procedures and tie-breakers. They can be read here…

http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news?slug=tiebreakers&prov=st&type=lgns

What was debated the most was this very statement listed under the heading. Three or more clubs…

“1. Apply division tiebreaker to eliminate all but the highest ranked club in each division prior to proceeding to step 2. “

Some people, including the people on the Jerome Bettis show apparently, take this statement as meaning that the Steelers will not get in if they finish tied with Baltimore.

Which means that Baltimore would have to lose next week to Oakland.

However, some people think that this statement would override the previous, including yahoo’s playoff generator apparently…

“When the first Wild-Card team has been identified, the procedure is repeated to name the second Wild-Card”

This means that even though Pittsburgh was eliminated to allow Baltimore the first wild card spot, that it would then be put back in to figure who would win the second wild card spot.

As i said, this is confirmed in yahoo’s playoff generator, which can be found by following this link…

http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/playoffscenario?algorithm=custom&15=50000044&16=55105515

It clearly shows that Pittsburgh can still get in without Baltimore losing to Oakland.

So who is right and what is the real meaning behind the NFL’s playoff procedures? For Pittsburgh’s sake, I hope that yahoo is right and the Jerome Bettis show is not.

Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com

Next Page »

NFL Sport Channel Latest

• Just How Far Would You Go?
• Sorry Rex, But It Isn’t Happening
• Super Bowl Predictions: Five Stat-Free Reasons Why the Eagles Will Reach The Super Bowl
• Seahawks Attempt to Turn Corner With Heavy Pursuit of Pete Carroll
• Bill Cowher Unlikely to Coach in 2010