Big Ben goes on offense

[fordfixer]

Big Ben goes on offense

By: Andrew Chiapazzi
Beaver County Times
[url="http://www.timesonline.com/sports/sports_details/article/1501/2009/december/28/big-ben-goes-on-offense.html"]http://www.timesonline.com/sports/sport ... fense.html[/url]
Monday December 28, 2009 12:04 AM

PITTSBURGH — In Ben Roethlisberger’s mind, the numbers say it all.

For the first time in team history, the Steelers have a quarterback with more than 4,000 yards passing, a 1,000-yard rusher and a pair of 1,000-yard receivers in the same season.

That, the quarterback says, should be enough to back off critics calling for the head of offensive coordinator Bruce Arians.

“I think what it does is it speaks volumes about this offense and how dynamic and potent it is,” Roethlisberger said. “That’s why I sit there and laugh when people talk about Bruce Arians and his offense. We have one of the most dynamic offenses in the league. I think it’s something people should kind of lay off on about him.”

Roethlisberger is the first Steelers quarterback to go over 4,000 yards for a season, as he has 4,108 after his 259-yard performance on Sunday. But outside of using it as ammunition to defend his offensive coordinator, Roethlisberger says the achievement doesn’t hold much weight for him.

“It’s an honor, but to me it’s not about that,” he said. “It never has been the individual awards, accolades, or honors for me: It’s about this team winning.”

Roethlisberger went on to say that at this point, even the manner in which a game is won doesn’t matter for a team fighting for its playoff lives.

“We’ve been do-or-die for a while now. We fight to the last minute. I think we’re the cardiac kids or something,” Roethlisberger said. “We’re out here barely winning these games, but a win is a win. It doesn’t matter how you get it.”

This one featured Roethlisberger’s record as well as Rashard Mendenhall earning his first 1,000-rushing yard season with 36 yards on 17 carries. Hines Ward and Santonio Holmes were already over 1,000 yards receiving entering the game. This is also the first time in team history that three receivers have 70 or more receptions in a season, as Heath Miller’s three catches Sunday gave him a career-high 71. Ward has 87 and Holmes has 78 for the year.

“It’s great, statistically,” Ward said. “I won Super Bowls where we didn’t have that. This business is all about wins and losses and that’s all we really focus on. It’s something to look back and reflect on, but just because you have all that doesn’t bring a championship.”

[NorthCoast]

Re: Big Ben goes on offense

Here is the numbers that count and Ben doesn't talk about:

Passing TD %
1. Drew Brees · NOR 6.6%
2. Peyton Manning · IND 6.0%
3. Brett Favre · MIN 5.9%
4. Philip Rivers · SDG 5.7%
5. Aaron Rodgers · GNB 5.6%
Eli Manning · NYG 5.6%
7. Donovan McNabb · PHI 5.4%
8. Tom Brady · NWE 5.2%
9. Kurt Warner · ARI 5.1%
10. Matt Schaub · HOU 5.0%

Notice anyone missing......? Give me back turtle ball and near-guaranteed wins when leading in the 4th quarter. Our defensive age showed this season and it is another reason for having a dominant, time-consuming run game. And don't show me TOPs, because they don't tell the whole story. Like yesterday, when the defense was on the field for almost the entire 3rd qtr.

[NorthCoast]

Re: Big Ben goes on offense

I don't me to rip on Ben because he has been one of the few bright spots this season. But I hope he doesn't fall in love with his own numbers. There are things Ben can do to improve his game and simultaneously help the team win:

Adj Net Yds/Pass Att
1. Drew Brees · NOR 8.31
Philip Rivers · SDG 8.31
3. Peyton Manning · IND 7.67
4. Tony Romo · DAL 7.50
5. Tom Brady · NWE 7.49
6. Matt Schaub · HOU 7.46
7. Aaron Rodgers · GNB 7.36
8. Brett Favre · MIN 7.26
9. Eli Manning · NYG 7.10
10. Donovan McNabb · PHI 7.05

When you remove sacks, fumbles, and interceptions from the yards, Ben is not in the top 10 in the league. In other words, taking a check-down pass is better than a sack.

[Steeler Mafia]

Re: Big Ben goes on offense

“I think what it does is it speaks volumes about this offense and how dynamic and potent it is,” Roethlisberger said. “That’s why I sit there and laugh when people talk about Bruce Arians and his offense. We have one of the most dynamic offenses in the league. I think it’s something people should kind of lay off on about him.”

Ben are you serious? Where was your dynamic offence against KC, Oakland, or Cleveland. The problem is that this so called "Dynamic offense" becomes lethargic when it enters the red zone. I mean, you really didn't set the scoreboard on fire much there Benny boy. Keep in mind that it isn't the type of plays ran, but the time these plays are called on to be executed. That is why Arians should be shown the door. Your man love for your own OC isn't, nor should it, going to save Arians job as OC. You have been spoiled by this a$$ bag and it is long over due that you should be brought down to reality.

[JDSteeler]

Re: Big Ben goes on offense

“I think what it does is it speaks volumes about this offense and how dynamic and potent it is,” Roethlisberger said. “That’s why I sit there and laugh when people talk about Bruce Arians and his offense. We have one of the most dynamic offenses in the league. I think it’s something people should kind of lay off on about him.”

Ben are you serious? Where was your dynamic offence against KC, Oakland, or Cleveland. The problem is that this so called "Dynamic offense" becomes lethargic when it enters the red zone. I mean, you really didn't set the scoreboard on fire much there Benny boy. Keep in mind that it isn't the type of plays ran, but the time these plays are called on to be executed. That is why Arians should be shown the door. Your man love for your own OC isn't, nor should it, going to save Arians job as OC. You have been spoiled by this a$$ bag and it is long over due that you should be brought down to reality.

Unbelievably dynamic, especially in the running game!!!!!!!! Yeh, right!!!

The MOLE is the most unimaginative, and predictible OC the Steelers have ever
had.

The fact that he wastes as many plays by calling that "Patented" Run Up the Middle, frustrates me to no end.

We see, first hand, how "Vanilla" he really is when it comes to the running game.

There is no lead-blocker. There is no deception, by formation or by personnel.
The play is intended to go into the SAME gap each and every time. He doesn't
even change from a hand-off, to a pitch. If he is as smart as BR says he is, than
why can't he understand that by giving the defense just a couple of different looks, either by personnel, formation, or delivery would increase the likeli-hood of a more
positive play than that of a loss of yardage.....

In my mind, The Mole, has held the offense back!!! This offense, and the weapons
we have, should be lighting it up for a minimum of 30-pts per game.

I hope Tomlin makes the right move, and brings in a guy who has the sack to attack
defenses, rather than played scared.

It appears that BEN and The MOLE are becoming too, comfy, for a lack of a better
word.

We all know what needs to be done, and that would be...

Bye Bye, BA and take that playbook of sad running plays, and non-imagination
with you.

JD

[frankthetank1]

Re: Big Ben goes on offense

ben really wants BA to stay thats obvious. ben is right on about all those stats. yeah their offense is much better than its been in a while. where are the steelers ranked in the red zone? that is one of the most important stats imo. i dont care if ben takes sacks all that much, but when its in the red zone then thats unacceptable. the offense hasnt been the problem this season. i attribute this season to awful play in the secondary, inconsistent running game, red zone offense and inconsistent pass rush. BA may not be the steelers biggest problem but we can definetly do better

[bostonsteeler]

Re: Big Ben goes on offense

Ben isn't the brightest bulb in the bundle, if he really believes this crap.
He's a fighter and makes plays. But he's never going to be an OC.

-B

[frankthetank1]

Re: Big Ben goes on offense

Ben isn't the brightest bulb in the bundle, if he really believes this crap.
He's a fighter and makes plays. But he's never going to be an OC.

-B

im sure he just doesnt want to see BA leave. thats what i got out of it at least

[Shoe]

Re: Big Ben goes on offense

im sure he just doesnt want to see BA leave. thats what i got out of it at least

So then the question is, do you appease your QB and let this coordinator stay on (and who, stat-wise, is doing a better job than a lot of others in the league). As said, we do have other areas to address.

I think you do, honestly.

Ideally, I'd like to see a more balanced offense too, but... This season has seen questions come up about Ben and his teammates. I don't want to mess with the franchise QB's psyche, etc. when he's had other players (according to media) questioning him this year. (On top of all that you have the sex case.)

You fire Ben's buddy (Arians), and who knows how he reacts.

[Iron Shiek]

Re: Big Ben goes on offense

Remember Tomlin's mantra about Continuity. I don't think BA leaves (in my opinion) as much as I, and many here want him gone. Ligashesky on the other hand...

[Djfan]

Re: Big Ben goes on offense

Pathetic seasons bring out pathetic statements. Ben made one here.

He likes BA because he likes to play back yard football. With a real OC we would win and that is what a team is for. BA is horrible. Period. Let's see what kind of leader Tomlin is.

At this point I am on the verge of doubting Tomlin's leadership. Don't want to, but can't help it.

[SanAntonioSteelerFan]

Re: Big Ben goes on offense

Pathetic seasons bring out pathetic statements. Ben made one here.

He likes BA because he likes to play back yard football. With a real OC we would win and that is what a team is for. BA is horrible. Period. Let's see what kind of leader Tomlin is.

At this point I am on the verge of doubting Tomlin's leadership. Don't want to, but can't help it.

Like I said in another thread, Tomlin is very inexperienced, and this sort of situation has brought down other more experienced coaches. Can't blame him for not having the skill set to set this straight right away. He's our coach, we can just hope he figures something out and acts on it soon.

[Steeler Mafia]

Re: Big Ben goes on offense

im sure he just doesnt want to see BA leave. thats what i got out of it at least

So then the question is, do you appease your QB and let this coordinator stay on (and who, stat-wise, is doing a better job than a lot of others in the league). As said, we do have other areas to address.

I think you do, honestly.

Ideally, I'd like to see a more balanced offense too, but... This season has seen questions come up about Ben and his teammates. I don't want to mess with the franchise QB's psyche, etc. when he's had other players (according to media) questioning him this year. (On top of all that you have the sex case.)

You fire Ben's buddy (Arians), and who knows how he reacts.

I wouldn't care how he reacts. Let him whine, cry and throw a tantrum. Arians has spoiled Ben and it is costing this team. Ben doesn't run this team, nor does he make coaching decisions. All this talk about how "we will keep BA because Ben likes him" talk is crap. It isn't SHOWFRIENDS it is SHOWBUSINESS. Time for Ben to learn how a real NFL system is called buy a real OC and not someone who just wants to snoodle up to our young QB. I hope he is fired first thing Jan 4th. That would be the best birthday present I could ever get.

[Djfan]

Re: Big Ben goes on offense

Pathetic seasons bring out pathetic statements. Ben made one here.

He likes BA because he likes to play back yard football. With a real OC we would win and that is what a team is for. BA is horrible. Period. Let's see what kind of leader Tomlin is.

At this point I am on the verge of doubting Tomlin's leadership. Don't want to, but can't help it.

Like I said in another thread, Tomlin is very inexperienced, and this sort of situation has brought down other more experienced coaches. Can't blame him for not having the skill set to set this straight right away. He's our coach, we can just hope he figures something out and acts on it soon.

I agree. Or he doesn't have the skills, which I still doubt.

At this point he needs to make changes no matter whose toes he steps on or offends. That is leadership.

[brothervad]

Re: Big Ben goes on offense

Ken Anderson must hate his job...I mean this dude was the master of checkdowns. I have a feeling he is just earning a paycheck to twiddle his thumbs.



brothervad