I think Arians outsmarted himself, if that's possible...

[va_steelman]

This is what I imagine was going through Arians mind on that miserable sweep on 3rd and 2 in OT: "Hey, I bet KC is thinking pass since it is and obvious passing situation (at least for the Steelers),. So lets run the ball, and I know KC won't expect such a stupid play call to run a sweep with our 3rd down RB in the game - this will be simply brilliant!!!"

If not for Bellicheat's moronic play of going for it on 4th down on their own 28 yd line, this one takes the cake...

[Ghost of Frenchy Fuqua]

I'm staying "focused":

Arians WILL be fired.

Arians WILL be fired.

Arians WILL be fired....

[Madinsomniac]

As a certified Arians hater, I try to keep a list of what I agree and disagree with throughout the game, I have to say he did do a lot of things better, but he still has serious issues especially with his blocking schemes. If the chiefs could tackle at all we would have had at least two less TD's do to sacks. He did finally use some three step drops late in the game. we saw a Fullback lineup several times in short yardage (although not when pinned deep inside our own 5 witch was curious) he also used motion more in this game than many others to date this year...

The big gaffs were not keeping anyone in to block on some obvious Big blitzes, especially after a couple linemen went down, and not having any adjustments at all to the blocking scheme after halftime. I also didnt like them using Willie Parker as much as they did especially with Mendenhall running very well.

60% of this loss was on the Special teams for the play that kept the Chiefs in the game. Had we gotten a 17-0 or 17-3 lead on them, we could have teed off and let matt cassel look like a frightened deer all game.

The defense is what it is, a very good unit that is simply challengable without troy in there.

[warriors42]

Arians is an arrogant bastard. Period.

Hey I bet he doesn't talk about you like that.;)

[va_steelman]

Like Arians or hate him (like most do), the Steelers had 515 yds of total offense and double the time of possession. Those numbers should be good enough to win, especially against the crappy ass Chiefs. Unfortunately those stats don't take into account turnovers, curious play calling, and horrific special teams.

[Steelersrule]

. we saw a Fullback lineup several times in short yardage (although not when pinned deep inside our own 5 witch was curious) he also used motion more in this game than many others to date this year...

.


What I remember of the fullback being in was the fullback went one way and Mendey went another. Maybe his issue with fullbacks is they announce where your RB will be running
probably why he used the fullback as deception

[Wig]

3rd and 2... on the 36.

Man up and have some balls.

[Ghost of Frenchy Fuqua]

Like Arians or hate him (like most do), the Steelers had 515 yds of total offense and double the time of possession. Those numbers should be good enough to win...

I hope Chuck Noll wasn't watching, especially on that moronic 3rd-and-2 play in OT...

[Mitzki5]

I hated the call also. We should have gone with "play action, pump once and greatly under throw Wallace" so that he can fight for the ball to try to keep it from being intercepted while every Steeler fan holds their breath thinking "Oh God not again. Please let it be in front of Wallace this time!". That's BA favorite play!

In all seriousness, I did hate the sweep call. Especially with Moore. Would have liked something over the middle to Miller or Ward for about 6 yards.

[tapeANaspirin2it]

Once again, Arians does not take anything into account other than "I bet they won't be expecting this play." This is why he sees no problem with calling a play from the last page of his playbook in a clutch situation.

When a team relies on trickery over execution, it's only a matter of time before your opponent is not fooled and you come up short. It bothers me that Arians never even considered running Mendenhall up the middle with a fullback leading the way.

[cowherjaw]

Even if you didn't like the 3rd and 2 play, try to realize all the other ridiculous reasons we lost this game. I am sorry that you have to blame some of your heroes, but you have to. Heath is partially responsible; Wallace is partially responsible; the OLmissed lots of blocks; the defense looked surprised and confused when KC went no huddle; coverages were blown for big plays; the special teams gaffed again; if Ike makes a catch, we never see the Chambers play. Everybody had their piece in this loss. Spread it around nice and evenly.

[tapeANaspirin2it]

Even if you didn't like the 3rd and 2 play, try to realize all the other ridiculous reasons we lost this game. I am sorry that you have to blame some of your heroes, but you have to. Heath is partially responsible; Wallace is partially responsible; the OLmissed lots of blocks; the defense looked surprised and confused when KC went no huddle; coverages were blown for big plays; the special teams gaffed again; if Ike makes a catch, we never see the Chambers play. Everybody had their piece in this loss. Spread it around nice and evenly.

so you liked the call?

[WoodyHarrison]

Even if you didn't like the 3rd and 2 play, try to realize all the other ridiculous reasons we lost this game. I am sorry that you have to blame some of your heroes, but you have to. Heath is partially responsible; Wallace is partially responsible; the OLmissed lots of blocks; the defense looked surprised and confused when KC went no huddle; coverages were blown for big plays; the special teams gaffed again; if Ike makes a catch, we never see the Chambers play. Everybody had their piece in this loss. Spread it around nice and evenly.

Thank you... I actually started a similar thread about an hour ago but I encountered a computer problem.

Here's my take,

BA is more concerned with outsmarting the defense than out executing the defense. Let's look at the sequence of offensive plays in overtime...

1-10-PIT20(15:00) R.Mendenhall up the middle to PIT 27 for 7 yards (A.Studebaker, J.McGraw).2-3-PIT27(14:21) B.Roethlisberger pass short middle to H.Ward to PIT 44 for 17 yards (M.Brown).1-10-PIT44(13:39) R.Mendenhall up the middle to KC 49 for 7 yards (J.Belcher).2-3-KC49(12:53) B.Roethlisberger sacked at PIT 50 for -1 yards (sack split by D.Johnson and A.Studebaker). PIT-B.Roethlisberger was injured during the play.
PENALTY on PIT-J.Hartwig, Offensive Holding, 10 yards, enforced at PIT 50.2-14-PIT40(12:21) (Shotgun) C.Batch pass short middle to S.Holmes to KC 43 for 17 yards (B.Carr).1-10-KC43(11:35) C.Batch pass incomplete short right to R.Mendenhall [C.Mays].2-10-KC43(11:30) R.Mendenhall left end to KC 35 for 8 yards (T.Hali)
3-2-KC35(10:43) M.Moore right end to KC 38 for -3 yards (J.Belcher).




Let's review... First play a run for 7 yards... good, why not run again. BA decides to pass with success to Hines Ward. Fine... 17 yard gain. 1st and 10, Mendenhall for another 7 yard gain into KC territory. BA decides to pass again... I say why not run the ball... your having success. You are now in KC territory. It's Ok to run a play even if the defense thinks it is coming.. The Steelers are called for holding... Now the Steelers are in a passing situation, advantage defense.... Big Ben is in trouble, scrambles and gets hurt.

Batch comes in and fires 17 yard strike to Hines Ward. No problem with this call... I actually thought it was an excellent call to trust your 2nd stringer to make a play down field.

OK, here's the sequence that really kills me and is so indicative of BA... The Steelers are having significant success running the ball on first down, so now with your 2nd string QB, you attempt to pass on 1st down when your in KC terriitory. WHY NOT RUN THE BALL!

Second down, you do run the ball to Mendenhall, you're best RB and gain 8 yards... KUDOS!!! That's what I am talking about. Run the play you want to RUN!

Third down and two, the Steelers take their best RB out of the game who on this drive has had two carries for 7 yards and one for 8 and bring in Mewelde Moore. However, BA decides to OUTSMART the defense by running wide with their slowest RB of the three... Let's recap, you take out your best running back who is having a field day and give it to your slowest running back to run a sweep with only 2 yards needed for a first down. ARE YOU Fkinnnng KIDDING ME! THis is why BA is a loser!!!! He doesn't try to beat you with his best players and best plays in crucial moments, he tries to out trick you... That doesn't breed confidence in your players and it makes you a passive offense.

While I would never give up on my Steelers, I think it they do end up floundering and not making the playoffs or barely creep in and are one and done... Tomlin better step up and fire BA.

[Steel G]

In all seriousness, I did hate the sweep call. Especially with Moore. Would have liked something over the middle to Miller or Ward for about 6 yards.

Awful call. I'd rather they just let Mendy run it up the gut. Even if he only got one yard they could have at least tried the FG or even gone for it on 4th. I can't stand being able to cal plays better than dopes getting paid hundreds of thousands of dollars for this!

[ClevelandSteel]

Thank you... I actually started a similar thread about an hour ago but I encountered a computer problem.

Here's my take,

BA is more concerned with outsmarting the defense than out executing the defense. Let's look at the sequence of offensive plays in overtime...

1-10-PIT20(15:00) R.Mendenhall up the middle to PIT 27 for 7 yards (A.Studebaker, J.McGraw).2-3-PIT27(14:21) B.Roethlisberger pass short middle to H.Ward to PIT 44 for 17 yards (M.Brown).1-10-PIT44(13:39) R.Mendenhall up the middle to KC 49 for 7 yards (J.Belcher).2-3-KC49(12:53) B.Roethlisberger sacked at PIT 50 for -1 yards (sack split by D.Johnson and A.Studebaker). PIT-B.Roethlisberger was injured during the play.
PENALTY on PIT-J.Hartwig, Offensive Holding, 10 yards, enforced at PIT 50.2-14-PIT40(12:21) (Shotgun) C.Batch pass short middle to S.Holmes to KC 43 for 17 yards (B.Carr).1-10-KC43(11:35) C.Batch pass incomplete short right to R.Mendenhall [C.Mays].2-10-KC43(11:30) R.Mendenhall left end to KC 35 for 8 yards (T.Hali)
3-2-KC35(10:43) M.Moore right end to KC 38 for -3 yards (J.Belcher).




Let's review... First play a run for 7 yards... good, why not run again. BA decides to pass with success to Hines Ward. Fine... 17 yard gain. 1st and 10, Mendenhall for another 7 yard gain into KC territory. BA decides to pass again... I say why not run the ball... your having success. You are now in KC territory. It's Ok to run a play even if the defense thinks it is coming.. The Steelers are called for holding... Now the Steelers are in a passing situation, advantage defense.... Big Ben is in trouble, scrambles and gets hurt.

Batch comes in and fires 17 yard strike to Hines Ward. No problem with this call... I actually thought it was an excellent call to trust your 2nd stringer to make a play down field.

OK, here's the sequence that really kills me and is so indicative of BA... The Steelers are having significant success running the ball on first down, so now with your 2nd string QB, you attempt to pass on 1st down when your in KC terriitory. WHY NOT RUN THE BALL!

Second down, you do run the ball to Mendenhall, you're best RB and gain 8 yards... KUDOS!!! That's what I am talking about. Run the play you want to RUN!

Third down and two, the Steelers take their best RB out of the game who on this drive has had two carries for 7 yards and one for 8 and bring in Mewelde Moore. However, BA decides to OUTSMART the defense by running wide with their slowest RB of the three... Let's recap, you take out your best running back who is having a field day and give it to your slowest running back to run a sweep with only 2 yards needed for a first down. ARE YOU Fkinnnng KIDDING ME! THis is why BA is a loser!!!! He doesn't try to beat you with his best players and best plays in crucial moments, he tries to out trick you... That doesn't breed confidence in your players and it makes you a passive offense.

While I would never give up on my Steelers, I think it they do end up floundering and not making the playoffs or barely creep in and are one and done... Tomlin better step up and fire BA.


Beautiful example. The only problem is this Steelers team doesn't run the ball down the throat of the opponent. Unfortunately BA doesn't want that, Ben doesn't want that, the receivers don't want that, many on this board don't want that....and we have a stud running back....sigh. Why change a formula that's worked for so many years...including last. The heir apparent is ready to go, but the staff is hell bent on "Not being your "grandfather's Steelers"

[insaniti]

Beautiful example. The only problem is this Steelers team doesn't run the ball down the throat of the opponent. Unfortunately BA doesn't want that, Ben doesn't want that, the receivers don't want that, many on this board don't want that....and we have a stud running back....sigh. Why change a formula that's worked for so many years...including last. The heir apparent is ready to go, but the staff is hell bent on "Not being your "grandfather's Steelers"

when did the running game work last year? against the chargers was about the only time we looked like we had a running game to speak of. we haven't been a run heavy offense since Ben was drafted. the numbers got skewed because we'd build up big leads in the first half and go into ball control in the second half. we built those leads with the passing attack. problem is that we aren't building these big leads anymore. the D has been inconsistant all year and that tends to keep the other team hanging around.

[obxsteeler]

We have a QB who has not thrown a game pass in 11/2 years. We have a rookie LG who I don't think has game experiance there. We have our 3rd down back who has been a winner in short yardage all year against the 27th ranked rush defense. It's like the call last week-dumb cause it didn't work. It was almost as bad as the play where Arians threw the int. that caused a 10-14 point swing or when he missed the pass that resulted in the int. or when he fumbled after not putting the ball away after a long reception. Maybe we just aren't as talented on offense as some people think.

[jasen@cardiostack]

th o line was horrible today. ben should have been sacked ten times

[jasen@cardiostack]

when did the running game work last year? against the chargers was about the only time we looked like we had a running game to speak of. we haven't been a run heavy offense since Ben was drafted. the numbers got skewed because we'd build up big leads in the first half and go into ball control in the second half. we built those leads with the passing attack. problem is that we aren't building these big leads anymore. the D has been inconsistant all year and that tends to keep the other team hanging around.

exactly we havent done that since tomlin has been here. that was under cowher we were doing that

[Coryea]

Arians is a stubborn idiot. He was criticized last week for not running enough, this week we come out in 2-TE's and a FB, that's as predictable as it gets, and what do we do run 3 straight plays. Then he goes to an empty backfield and everytime we do that KC blitzes up the middle, and not one time did I see a WR run a drag route across the middle. We continued to run the deep/intermediate routes when we had no time. We've done pretty well running out of the spread formation all season, but we rarely run out of it

[ronburgundy]

Arians often tries to be too smart by half. Unfortunately it usually results in a loss unless Ben and the defense can bail his ass out.

[SteelerGal58]

I ranted and raved about that call the whole ride home. I couldn't believe what a lame call that was when the game hinged on it so completely. There was a sign right behind the Steelers bench that said simply "Fire Arians". He sure lived down to that sign on that play call.

[SteelerGal58]

th o line was horrible today. ben should have been sacked ten times

He sure got away a bunch of times. It was amazing. The KC fans were freaking out when Ben would keep slipping away.

[SteelerGal58]

lets not idolize bill here. Ive had a few Sundays where I was this pissed under him too.

More than I can count. Like when he went on his Zereoue project and put Bettis in the dog house.

Fuck Bill Cowher too.

Not to mention his sticking with Kordell for SO long! Cowher definitely wasn't perfect.

[NC STEEL]

I hated the call also. The mind set should have been on of two things. We are going to kick a long field goal or we are going to go for it on fourth and short. Why put yourself in a position that you punt? For that matter why punt? But, if your going to punt why kick it in the end zone. Why not kick it to the sidelines, instead of trying to down it in the middle of the field. They neted 16 yards on the punt. I would have rather seen them try to go for it on 4th and four.

[Coryea]

LMAO, we lose and suddenly it's a bash Cowher thread. You people need to get over the Kordell thing. Kordell played very well his first year, and played very well for the first 11 games of the 1998 season, so you're not going to bench after 1998. He played bad in 1999 and was benched the last 5 or 6 games, and wasn't the starter for the 2000 season, but Can't Graham was actually worse, Kordell came in played well, and played pretty good in 2001, then was benched after 2 games in 2002 adn was done. So all in all, Kordell was our starter for 4 seasons.

[cowherjaw]

so you liked the call?

It was certainly his most questionable call although I will admit with what little I saw of the tv screen, I thought that was the place to go with the football. KC packed the inside and when the WR came in motion the DB actually backed off. I think it is Charlie's job as a veteran to be able to see whether or not a play like that should either work with proper execution or is overmatched and somebody is unblocked and he can call a timeout in that situation.

I don't know why the play failed. I actually thought it was open from what I saw. I liked that we ran right instead of left with Kemo out. I don't mind that we ran instead of passed with Charlie being fresh in and probably facing a blitz.

The truth is that the success of ANY call in that situation would determine how brilliant it was. I can see both sides of the coin on that call and there were many worse transgressions during that game. Again, we didn't outscheme them on offense by any means, but there were many many greater offenders yesterday.

[WoodyHarrison]

I'll reiterate... 3rd and 2. BA takes out Mendy who has had consecutive runs of 7, 7, and 8 yards and brings in Mewelde to RUN a Sweep (our slowest RB).... ARE U KIDDING ME!

This is the problem with BA... He tries to outsmart the defense instead of out execute them. In a critical third and two situation, you go with your best players and best plays... Let them stop your best. Instead, BA chooses a extremely poor play and player combination in an attempt to out fox the defense. I will tell you this, not one player on the KC defense thought we would be stupid enough to run a sweep on 3rd and 2 without Mendenhall in the game. So KUDOS to BA for out tricking them...

[cowherjaw]

I'll reiterate... 3rd and 2. BA takes out Mendy who has had consecutive runs of 7, 7, and 8 yards and brings in Mewelde to RUN a Sweep (our slowest RB).... ARE U KIDDING ME!

This is the problem with BA... He tries to outsmart the defense instead of out execute them. In a critical third and two situation, you go with your best players and best plays... Let them stop your best. Instead, BA chooses a extremely poor play and player combination in an attempt to out fox the defense. I will tell you this, not one player on the KC defense thought we would be stupid enough to run a sweep on 3rd and 2 without Mendenhall in the game. So KUDOS to BA for out tricking them...

Be honest, suppose we run right up the middle and get stopped (like we got stopped earlier in the game), aren't you equally as angry? It's ok to try to outguess the other team when your execution has been lacking most of the game.

[fogdoctor]

Like Arians or hate him (like most do), the Steelers had 515 yds of total offense and double the time of possession. Those numbers should be good enough to win, especially against the crappy ass Chiefs. Unfortunately those stats don't take into account turnovers, curious play calling, and horrific special teams.

If we had 517yds we could have won. The 2 yds mattered more than the other 500+.

[Acereros]

It was certainly his most questionable call although I will admit with what little I saw of the tv screen, I thought that was the place to go with the football. KC packed the inside and when the WR came in motion the DB actually backed off. I think it is Charlie's job as a veteran to be able to see whether or not a play like that should either work with proper execution or is overmatched and somebody is unblocked and he can call a timeout in that situation.

I don't know why the play failed. I actually thought it was open from what I saw. I liked that we ran right instead of left with Kemo out. I don't mind that we ran instead of passed with Charlie being fresh in and probably facing a blitz.

The truth is that the success of ANY call in that situation would determine how brilliant it was. I can see both sides of the coin on that call and there were many worse transgressions during that game. Again, we didn't outscheme them on offense by any means, but there were many many greater offenders yesterday.


There was not greater offender than Arians yesterday, not even close. Bottom line, after all the Steelers mistakes you're referring, and after the Chiefs final TD evening the score to 24, the Steelers had TWO opportunities to put more points on the board in regular time, and ANOTHER in over time. What did they do, the failed due to the play calling, because I don't remember any execution issues in these three last Steelers drives. The Steelers could just not handle the pressure the 30th ranked Deffense were applying, and that falls in your hero B.A.

[tapeANaspirin2it]

Be honest, suppose we run right up the middle and get stopped (like we got stopped earlier in the game), aren't you equally as angry? It's ok to try to outguess the other team when your execution has been lacking most of the game.

i would be angry that the once powerful steelers can no longer pick up short yardage, but i would not be angry at all with the call. In that situation, a run up the middle was the only logical call. As we saw, any loss of yardage at all pushed you out of FG range. Arians should have known that fact and called a play accordingly. Instead he selected a play that has a high chance of being thrown for a loss if the defense is ready for it.

You simply can't call an East-West play in that situation. I actually would have preferred throwing deep to running a toss in that situation because it probably would have had a greater chance of working and if incomplete, it would have still allowed a FG attempt.

[WoodyHarrison]

Be honest, suppose we run right up the middle and get stopped (like we got stopped earlier in the game), aren't you equally as angry? It's ok to try to outguess the other team when your execution has been lacking most of the game.

Running Mewelde up the middle would not have been my first option but they did have success on a Mewelde run up the middle in short yardage earlier in the game so the answer is NO.. I woudn't have been equally as angry. Keep in mind, even no gain and the Steelers may attempt a 52-53 yard field goal to win the game.. Running wide invited an opportunity to lose yardage and put the ball on the right harsh mark... Not optimal when kicking a field goal.

Terrible call... BA made his worst play call at the most critical time... HE DESERVES to be criticized.

I

IMO, it is not OK to try to outguess the other team if it means calling a play and player combination that is far down the list from your BEST at a crucial time.

[The Drake]

Just line up and shove it down their throats with Mendenhall. He was clipping them for 7 yards a carry in OT. Worst case scenario its 4th and 1 and you either go for it or you attempt the FG.

He had a bunch of boneheaded calls yesterday. 1st and goal at the 8 hey lets not even threaten to run lets throw. 2nd and 3 in OT after Mendenhall just gained 7 yards on 1st down. Hey lets throw here Ben takes sack gets hurt center flagged for holding. How in the fuck did running the ball become bad words in Pittsburgh of all places.

[SteelerGal58]

LMAO, we lose and suddenly it's a bash Cowher thread. You people need to get over the Kordell thing. Kordell played very well his first year, and played very well for the first 11 games of the 1998 season, so you're not going to bench after 1998. He played bad in 1999 and was benched the last 5 or 6 games, and wasn't the starter for the 2000 season, but Can't Graham was actually worse, Kordell came in played well, and played pretty good in 2001, then was benched after 2 games in 2002 adn was done. So all in all, Kordell was our starter for 4 seasons.

I think the only reason the bashing of Cowher began is because some may have been wishing he was still here or that Tomlin was more like him.

Kordell sucked pure and simple. I thought he had promise but gave up on him WAY before the Steeler organization did. It was very painful!

[jasen@cardiostack]

Not to mention his sticking with Kordell for SO long! Cowher definitely wasn't perfect.

he did but we didnt exactly have good options and maddox was not a good option

[va_steelman]

i would be angry that the once powerful steelers can no longer pick up short yardage, but i would not be angry at all with the call. In that situation, a run up the middle was the only logical call. As we saw, any loss of yardage at all pushed you out of FG range. Arians should have known that fact and called a play accordingly. Instead he selected a play that has a high chance of being thrown for a loss if the defense is ready for it.

You simply can't call an East-West play in that situation. I actually would have preferred throwing deep to running a toss in that situation because it probably would have had a greater chance of working and if incomplete, it would have still allowed a FG attempt.
You're talking about a 52 yd FG with an incomplete pass or a run stuffed for no gain at the LOS . I wouldn't like Reed's chances of making it, and a miss would have put KC at the 42 yd line. If Reed misses the FG, everyone would be up in arms as to why Tomlin didn't punt the ball and put the game in the hands of their defense, which is ultimately what happened. It would have been a no-win situation for Tomlin and co - arm chair coaching decisions are a lot easier.

[GoSteelers]

it was painful watching a sure win slip away from the Steelers. the offense went to sleep and the defense followed. BA should be on the chopping block along with ligasheshky and tomlin should be given a nice lecture from the FO about taking control of this team before it's too late and the playoffs slip away.

[Vader]

You're talking about a 52 yd FG with an incomplete pass or a run stuffed for no gain at the LOS . I wouldn't like Reed's chances of making it, and a miss would have put KC at the 42 yd line. If Reed misses the FG, everyone would be up in arms as to why Tomlin didn't punt the ball and put the game in the hands of their defense, which is ultimately what happened. It would have been a no-win situation for Tomlin and co - arm chair coaching decisions are a lot easier.

So you are basically saying that no matter what the call, it was the right call??

[cowherjaw]

There was not greater offender than Arians yesterday, not even close. Bottom line, after all the Steelers mistakes you're referring, and after the Chiefs final TD evening the score to 24, the Steelers had TWO opportunities to put more points on the board in regular time, and ANOTHER in over time. What did they do, the failed due to the play calling, because I don't remember any execution issues in these three last Steelers drives. The Steelers could just not handle the pressure the 30th ranked Deffense were applying, and that falls in your hero B.A.

So when the QB gets sacked, you consider that to be a playcalling error and not an execution error? This is why we will never agree. BA cannot tell when he sends the play in that the safety is going to blitz. That has to be a combination of QB/OL and backfield adjusting either by lineshift or by audibling and hot reads. Arians' job is to have the offense prepared to know what to do when they are in that situation. It is not his fault simply because the play doesn't work. It depends on why it didn't work, and you don't do any analysis of that.

[cowherjaw]

Running Mewelde up the middle would not have been my first option but they did have success on a Mewelde run up the middle in short yardage earlier in the game so the answer is NO.. I woudn't have been equally as angry. Keep in mind, even no gain and the Steelers may attempt a 52-53 yard field goal to win the game.. Running wide invited an opportunity to lose yardage and put the ball on the right harsh mark... Not optimal when kicking a field goal.

Terrible call... BA made his worst play call at the most critical time... HE DESERVES to be criticized.

IMO, it is not OK to try to outguess the other team if it means calling a play and player combination that is

Criticize him for that call all you want. He tried to outscheme and it didn't work. That's life and he has to live with his decision.

I am saying that the entire game is not won or lost on that call. You can lose 2-3 yards running up the middle as well. You can gain zero amd miss 53 yard field goal and give the other team a short field. Let's not bash the defense that wasn't ready to defend the play that won KC the game. Let's not bash the defender that had the pick in his hands the play before. Let's only bash the mistake of the person we like the least and pretend we had the answer that would most definitely had won the football game because Jeff Reed has been gold this year, especially from 53 yards. (Yes, he's 1-3 from outside 40 yards)

[Toranaga]

I don't hate BA but I think the problem with the 3rd and 2 is that among the choices it would've been the last thing most people would pick. I have no doubt that if we had run it up the middle and been stopped that people in here would be calling for his head for running right up the middle in an obvious running situation given BB's injury. Or if he had thrown it and not converted this board would call for his head for not giving it to the hot hand in Mendenhall and ramming it home up the middle considering that BB was out and Batch was cold.

HOWEVER, no matter what call he makes other than the one he did, there is no way there would be a post in here suggesting that he shoulda run a sweep with Moore. Especially considering the ramifications of losing yardage at that point. So while I do believe people would be ripping him no matter what he called if it didn't work, I think people are justified in ripping him over what he did call. I'm not sure if that makes sense - I have a killer hangover...

Oh yeah, personally, I ram it up the middle with Mendenhall and if he picks up a yard I go for it on 4th. I don't trust Reed from that distance more than I trust Mendy to pick up a yard.

-T

[WoodyHarrison]

I don't hate BA but I think the problem with the 3rd and 2 is that among the choices it would've been the last thing most people would pick. I have no doubt that if we had run it up the middle and been stopped that people in here would be calling for his head for running right up the middle in an obvious running situation given BB's injury. Or if he had thrown it and not converted this board would call for his head for not giving it to the hot hand in Mendenhall and ramming it home up the middle considering that BB was out and Batch was cold.

HOWEVER, no matter what call he makes other than the one he did, there is no way there would be a post in here suggesting that he shoulda run a sweep with Moore. Especially considering the ramifications of losing yardage at that point. So while I do believe people would be ripping him no matter what he called if it didn't work, I think people are justified in ripping him over what he did call. I'm not sure if that makes sense - I have a killer hangover...

Oh yeah, personally, I ram it up the middle with Mendenhall and if he picks up a yard I go for it on 4th. I don't trust Reed from that distance more than I trust Mendy to pick up a yard.

-T

What he said... while I have not been a proponent of BA, I have held off my criticism until this week. Afterall, he did win a SB last year and seems to have helped Big Ben's development. While I am quite aware that I am not a coach and just a fan, there comes a time when you have to make tough decisions. After weighing the good and the bad for two and two third seasons, I am of the mind that BA should not be the Steelers OC.

Second, it's now incumbent upon Tomlin to take a more active roll in the play calling. He doesn't have to make the calls but he should be establishing parameters for BA to work within going forward such as the run to pass mix and the types of allowable plays in crunch time given certain down and distances. BA has shown he incapable of consistently making solid decisions especially at critical times.

[Acereros]

So when the QB gets sacked, you consider that to be a playcalling error and not an execution error? This is why we will never agree. BA cannot tell when he sends the play in that the safety is going to blitz. That has to be a combination of QB/OL and backfield adjusting either by lineshift or by audibling and hot reads. Arians' job is to have the offense prepared to know what to do when they are in that situation. It is not his fault simply because the play doesn't work. It depends on why it didn't work, and you don't do any analysis of that.

You well know that there are plays to counter the blitz. If Arians refuses to use them, is his fault. Besides, how do you explain that the Steelers had THREE opportunities to march down the field to FG territory, and failed? :confused::confused:

[tapeANaspirin2it]

You're talking about a 52 yd FG with an incomplete pass or a run stuffed for no gain at the LOS . I wouldn't like Reed's chances of making it, and a miss would have put KC at the 42 yd line. If Reed misses the FG, everyone would be up in arms as to why Tomlin didn't punt the ball and put the game in the hands of their defense, which is ultimately what happened. It would have been a no-win situation for Tomlin and co - arm chair coaching decisions are a lot easier.

I would be up in arms that the steelers suck in short yardage against a scrub team. I would not be up in arms over the decision to kick in that situation.

52 yards is in Reed's range and i think you have to take that shot in OT. There were no field condition or weather problems that would factor into a FG decision. A run up the gut with Mendenhall probably would have gained at least a yard and at that FG distance, that does make a differemce. If they got it to 4th and inches, it also would have brought into play the possibility of going for it with a QB sneak.

The no win situation was getting thrown for a loss.

[va_steelman]

52 yards is in Reed's range and i think you have to take that shot in OT. There were no field condition or weather problems that would factor into a FG decision.
It is??? I checked his career stats, and the past 5 yrs he is 2-7 from 50+ yds, though I don't know how many of those attempts were at Heinz Field. If they were 5 yds closer, then I would have run the ball straight up the gut and taken my chances with a game winning FG.

[cowherjaw]

You well know that there are plays to counter the blitz. If Arians refuses to use them, is his fault. Besides, how do you explain that the Steelers had THREE opportunities to march down the field to FG territory, and failed? :confused::confused:

So Ben is not capable of recognizing the blitz and audibling anymore? I explain that on at least 2 of the drives, the players on the field screwed them up. You can have the 3rd and 2 sweep as being bad if you want. I'd like to hear how Arians screwed up the other drives.

[Coryea]

it's 3rd and 2, and you're at the outer range of FG range, you don't call a play with your slowest RB that has such a high risk of losing yards. If you call a run up the middle, at worst you get back to the LOS, you don't lose 3 yards.

[WoodyHarrison]

So Ben is not capable of recognizing the blitz and audibling anymore? I explain that on at least 2 of the drives, the players on the field screwed them up. You can have the 3rd and 2 sweep as being bad if you want. I'd like to hear how Arians screwed up the other drives.

SO are you finally willing to admit that the 3rd and 2 sweep play to our slowest RB in overtime was a bad call... Hallelujah! It's enough for me that he absolutely blew this call at a very critical point in the game... I don't need to make a case for poor calls on other drives... This is the NFL, the elite play and coach here... I expect my OC to be at his best when the most is on the line.

[Stoney]

We have the WORST kick coverage team in the league - fix that first.

[Coryea]

We have the WORST kick coverage team in the league - fix that first.

Who did they lose from last year, they were #1 last season?

[60 MINUTES]

We won the Superbowl with BA but he had nothing to do with it. BA is pure shit and has never done anything in this league worth a shit. These 20 yard post patterns and Flags on 3rd and 4 are driving me crazy. We check the ball down to miller and Mendy and hit Waggles and playactions early in the game then in the second half we line up in shotgun and throw bomb after bomb when we are setting on a 10 point lead. this seems to happen every game. I know Cowher scared us to death with all these wins where we sit on the ball but you can't knock his record. Up by a couple of scores the man never lost. Like maybe once or some shit. Now we can't win a game we are up by two scores.

One of the worst PLaycalling moments was two weeks ago our Two min O started out with a bomb down the middle of the field. WHO THE FUCK DOES THAT . even if you score you give the ball back to them with over a min left. BA has got to go or we will need luck to win. Luck I just don't think we can keep coming up with.

[60 MINUTES]

SO are you finally willing to admit that the 3rd and 2 sweep play to our slowest RB in overtime was a bad call... Hallelujah! It's enough for me that he absolutely blew this call at a very critical point in the game... I don't need to make a case for poor calls on other drives... This is the NFL, the elite play and coach here... I expect my OC to be at his best when the most is on the line.



not to mention it was run to the short side of the field. Worst call in BA history? I don't know but it could be

[Coryea]

not to mention it was run to the short side of the field. Worst call in BA history? I don't know but it could be
The QB sweep behind our 3rd string LT in the playoff game against Jax was pretty bady.

[Vader]

I would be up in arms that the steelers suck in short yardage against a scrub team. I would not be up in arms over the decision to kick in that situation.

52 yards is in Reed's range and i think you have to take that shot in OT. There were no field condition or weather problems that would factor into a FG decision. A run up the gut with Mendenhall probably would have gained at least a yard and at that FG distance, that does make a differemce. If they got it to 4th and inches, it also would have brought into play the possibility of going for it with a QB sneak.

The no win situation was getting thrown for a loss.

Dead on Tape. How many times have we heard "you can't take a sack here" when talking about a QB dropping back to pass while in FG range? Running a sweep with a slow RB is basically giving them a sack and taking yourself out of FG range. It was a horrible call.

BTW Just because the defense doesn't expect something doesn't mean it will work. BA needs to get a brain.

[jitter77]

It is??? I checked his career stats, and the past 5 yrs he is 2-7 from 50+ yds, though I don't know how many of those attempts were at Heinz Field. If they were 5 yds closer, then I would have run the ball straight up the gut and taken my chances with a game winning FG.

At least one of those kicks was extremely long. Like a 60+ yrder at the end of the half so you can throw that one out. 2-6 still isnt great though, but I would still give Reed the shot. He has been a goat all of this year for on and off field stuff. If he makes it he is a hero and has a chance at redemption. If he misses, he seals his own fate here and goes bye bye for sure at end of season. I do believe Tomlin lost faith in Reed this year or I think he would have gotten a shot.

[Wig]

You don't have to be a Mangenius to realize that running a sweep in that situation is a terrible, terrible idea.

It's like he purposefully attempted to make it harder on the team. I know that's not the case... but it makes you wonder about his competency.

[va_steelman]

I know Cowher scared us to death with all these wins where we sit on the ball but you can't knock his record. Up by a couple of scores the man never lost. Like maybe once or some shit. Now we can't win a game we are up by two scores.

One of the worst PLaycalling moments was two weeks ago our Two min O started out with a bomb down the middle of the field. WHO THE FUCK DOES THAT . even if you score you give the ball back to them with over a min left. BA has got to go or we will need luck to win. Luck I just don't think we can keep coming up with.
The difference was that back in the Cowher era we had Bettis and a reliable offensive line to eat up the clock and get a few first downs at worst.

[Awesome-o]

i miss the days when converting 3rd and 2 was a foregone conclusion. Either Bus, Haynes, or Stayley. didnt matter. now on goaline or 3rd & short i dont care to convert, i just want mendy to hang onto the ball. has our 3rd down bruiser back of old become mewelde moore?? Seriously? i dont like it...

[SteelerFan448]

A run up the middle, a screen to Moore/Mendenhall, a WR screen, quick slant all would have been better options. As soon as the two teams lined up it was plain as day that the Steelers were going to run a toss right.

[cowherjaw]

SO are you finally willing to admit that the 3rd and 2 sweep play to our slowest RB in overtime was a bad call... Hallelujah! It's enough for me that he absolutely blew this call at a very critical point in the game... I don't need to make a case for poor calls on other drives... This is the NFL, the elite play and coach here... I expect my OC to be at his best when the most is on the line.

I am really not as upset by the call as many of you. Sometimes you play the percentages, sometimes you don't. When you go against them and get called out, you are going to get your lumps.

Last week there was a really stupid call that had Hunter Smith throwing the ball down the field to Mike Sellers on 4th down except that the play worked for a TD and it now looks like a genius call but if it didn't work it would be another example of the Washington coaches being idiots. That's the gamble you take sometimes. I don't find it particular enlightening that people think you automatically slam Mendenhall into the line (either once and kick a FG or twice and hope for the best) as if that is the only way to get it done or absolutely the right call because Cowher used to get slammed for doing the exact same thing you guys are clamoring for now.