So Ben Roethlisberger is out in Hawaii for the Pro Bowl, and he brought Bruce Arians, who used to be his offensive coordinator up until he “retired” last week, with him. It’s no secret that Big Ben loved having Arians as his OC so everyone expected Ben to be a little bummed after Brucey came out and said the Steelers “forced” him to retire.
That’s cool. Your friend lost his job and you guys can’t work together anymore – that’s pretty sucky. But this is the NFL, that kind of **** happens so for Big Ben to be going all high school cheerleader on Art Rooney II because his buddy lost his job, is a little extreme.
While Ben was being interviewed by the Trib out in Hawaii, they brought up the Arians situation. Ben responded, “When I get back I’m going to go up to Mr. Rooney’s office and ask him what he wants from me, what he wants from this offense, because I think that’s a viable question for him.”
We’re not in Hawaii so the quote could’ve been taken out of context, and we want to give Ben the benefit of the doubt, but that’s kind of a dick move if that’s his plan. I’m pretty sure what Ary II wants is for the Steelers not to finish next year ranked 21st in scoring offense like they did this year.
Ben then went on to say, “He’s our owner and our boss, so I really would like to know kind of what he wants and where he sees our offense going because I’d like to tell him where I see us going.”
Ben. Noooooo. That’s like walking up to your manager at Walmart and telling him, “We’re not rolling back prices anymore because I’m one hell of a checkout guy. And while you’re at it, I’m getting a raise.” You just don’t do that…and keep your job.
What happens if Ben does give Art II a piece of his mind and the two start butting heads. The last thing the Steelers need is an Irsay/Peyton situation, especially since the Steelers, as Ben put it, “are really close to being an elite offense.”
Let’s be honest, Brucey being here one more year wasn’t going to be the reason the Steelers moved into elite status. The fact that Mike Wallace is now an elite receiver; the fact that Antoino Brown is on his way to getting there; and the fact that if Rashard Mendenhall gets healthy, the Steelers will have two legit running backs; and a healthy-er offensive line is why the Steelers’ offense will be better next year.
The fact that Ben had been showing huge maturation over the past year and half was another big reason the Steelers’ offense has been improving. But if he goes through with this whole hissy fit, that could change…real fast.
The offense revolves around Big Ben. Ever since he found his NFL footing it has, and as long as he’s in the Burgh it will. He should know that. The Rooneys have always been about tradition and winning, and they seem to know when it’s time to say goodbye to certain assets…they’re not exactly popping any cherries with Brucey here. Ben may not like it but it’s what’s best for the team, and if he’s matured as much as he’s said he has then he’ll realize that what’s best for the Steelers is what’s best for Big Ben.
Ben is just pissed about Arians leaving because he pretty much called the shots on offense. He was allowed to take shots and take chances, and he loved that he could run the no-huddle at times. I think he’s afraid that whoever comes in to replace Arians, is going to shut down Ben’s improvisational skills, but if he’s a half decent coach, he won’t.
Ben even acknowledged that Brucey was ready to move on. And Ben’s the sole reason Brucey has been brought back the last two years; he campaigned to keep Arians after the ’09 season and against his better judgement, he talked him out of retirement last year. Like Art II said, it’s time for a change.
Source: Yardbarker: Pittsburgh Steelers