2012 Could be a Bumpy Ride for the Steelers

**Complex** · 06-22-2012, 09:23 PM

I think his strength is that he can do that. In fact, he is very successful in executing any range of offensive game plans. The 2011 Patriots game was an example. If Haley is smart, which I know he is, he will realize the potential. The thing about Roethlisberger is that he is a utility knife; he can power through a line for a first down, he can throw deep, and he can get the quick pass off, or he can shake a tackle to complete a pass. That is what makes the Steelers successful, Roethlisberger's versatility. For an OC to key on only one offensive approach with a QB like Roethlisberger is ridiculous. A good OC should design an offensive attack concept to the personnel, not force their own scheme on an incompatible offensive line up. Of course, he could totally botch things, and fans will be up in arms, but no matter what he does teams will have to respect what Roethlisberger brings. The Steelers won some games they could have lost otherwise. They should have lost a few too.

And despite the perception many of him, he does have a have a high accuracy percentage throwing from the pocket. In fact, I don't remember his percentage throwing from the pocket, but I know it is way above the 63 percent he is rated at due to the fact, as we know, he spends much of his time throwing on the run improvising plays behind a patchwork OL. He would do fine throwing from the pocket on a consistent basis.

Originally Posted by TL24x7

Why did Mike Tomlin hire offensive coordinator Todd Haley?

Haley is a disciple of Bill Walsh’s West Coast offense. He requires his quarterbacks to be precise in their drops, get the ball out quickly and make accurate throws to receivers sifting through heavy traffic. Think Kurt Warner!

This doesn’t play to Roethlisberger’s strengths and opponents will be all too happy to see Ben stay in the pocket and get the ball out of his hands. And if the new approach isn’t successful you have to wonder if Roethlisberger will push back and revert to his comfort zone. And that place called Heinz Field could be ready to blow?

LINK

**kronusthebonus** · 06-23-2012, 05:37 AM

Seems like every year or so, someone speculates, "Is this the year the Steelers fall off?" and it never happens. They're going to contend for the North like they always do. It'll be two dogfights in a span of what, 5 weeks with them this year? They're not laying down, they'll be just as dangerous, if not more so then last year. Not buying it at all.

**Corey** · 06-23-2012, 08:59 AM

Originally Posted by GOTA

Why not go with a position coach? They didn't have to get an existing OC. Their head coach was only a coordinator for 1 season and he's got them to 2 Super Bowls and they won 1. Nothing was stopping them from finding an offensive position coach either from their team or someone elses.

Haley's got ties to Pitt. His daddy was there for a long time. Which is why I don't believe for one second that Haley was Tomlin's choice. I believe Haley was the Rooney's choice.

**Stone** · 06-23-2012, 05:04 PM

Actually, I'm more focused on whether the Ravens will have a bumpy ride this season? Our schedule is tough, and although I expect the offense to break out (like many of us have) the past few seasons, they never do! I'm not even concerned about the defense, even with Suggs gone.

Will we see more of the same? A restricted/ handicapped offense plagued by inconsistency/ drops from our top wideouts (Boldin,Smith, and Dickson) and, what about the offensive line? We replaced a pro bowl G in his prime with another aging G, and the guys we drafted may be a season or two from being quality starters?

No matter what the Steelers do, we all know they will be ready for us come November. The focus needs to be on our offense taking the next step and, getting better, not whether the Steelers are stepping back.

**JimZipCode** · 06-24-2012, 07:56 PM

Originally Posted by TL24x7

Haley is a disciple of Bill Walsh’s West Coast offense.

Where do we get that idea?

Haley began his career on Bill Parcells Jets staff, working under Charlie Weis for 4 yrs. I don't know what exactly that madman Weis runs, but it's not the Bill Walsh offense. Later Haley was Parcells WR coach and "passing game coordinator" in Dallas, before moving on to Arizona. Parcells has never been a Bill Walsh Offense guy.

Haley did work 3 years as WR coach in Chicago under Joe Pendry, who had coached under Marty for a few years in the early 90s. Is that your "West Coast Offense" connection? Seems pretty tenuous.

In Arizona, Haley ran an offense that featured the deep passing of Kurt Warner, who also had not historically been a "Bill Walsh Offense" quarterback. Warner played in the Gillman-Coryell-Saunders-Zampese-Norv-Martz system when he won the Super Bowl in St Louis.

I've never seen any indication that Haley worked in the Bill Walsh Offense.