The Steelers could run their no-huddle offensive exclusively, offensive coordinator Bruce Arians said, but don’t because they are, well, the Steelers.
“We still want to maintain some Steelers football,” Arians said.
That presumably means establishing the run, something the Steelers weren’t able to do in a season-opening 13-10 over the Tennessee Titans. Getting the ground game going may not be much easier Sunday in Chicago even though the Bears will be without Pro Bowl linebacker Brian Urlacher.
The Bears play the same four-man front that gave the Steelers fits last Thursday. If they are again unable to mount a running game this week, would the Steelers at least consider going to a no-huddle attack, much like the one the Buffalo Bills employed in the early 1990s when quarterback Jim Kelly led them to four consecutive Super Bowls?
It’s not that it couldn’t be done with the growth Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger has made in the no-huddle while working closely with Arians in that phase of the game.
“That package has tripled in size now and it’s damn-near the whole offense,” Arians said. “It’s evolved to where (Roethlisberger) can almost use 80 percent of the playbook in it and he’s gotten very proficient in it. We’re not the K-Gun or Jim Kelly but we could be very easily.”
Roethlisberger, Arians added, is not the only one comfortable when the Steelers go to their no-huddle offense.
“A lot of times I’ve had quarterbacks who could play that fast but the other 10 guys couldn’t so you couldn’t use it,” Arians said. “The other 10 guys are playing at the same speed (Roethlisberger) is in the no huddle, which makes it works.”
Arians said the main drawback in running a no-huddle is the lack of efficiency in short-yardage situations. But the Steelers weren’t good in that area against the Titans, and Arians said that remains his biggest concern with the offense.
There are no major changes coming in the running game – at least for now.
Willie Parker will start against the Bears. Rashard Mendenhall will play the third series, as he did against the Titans, and spell Parker when the two-time Pro Bowler needs a break.
Mewelde Moore will play running back in the no-huddle offense as well as on third downs.
September 18th, 2009 - 9:52 am
I would be interested to know what Dick Lebeau and the Steelers defense think about having the offense feature the no huddle full time. Troy Polamalu has stated in the past that the defense is not built to be on the field for an extended period of time. Using the no huddle as our base offense will certainly have this undesired side effect. Can we adapt our defense to work with the new offense by rotating players more often or will we have to modify a defensive strategy that has carried this team to two Superbowl victories?
September 18th, 2009 - 10:11 am
[...] Brown blogged that the Steelers could run their no-huddle offensive exclusively. Brown reports offensive coordinator Bruce Arians said, "That package has tripled in size now and [...]
September 19th, 2009 - 1:43 pm
i myself prefer the no huddle as an element that catches the opposing defenses off guard, that is really the whole mentality to use a no huddle, but if it becomes part of the game plan and other coaches know this then they will make adjustments as the game unfolds, its like deet bug spray, you can kill the bugs until they evolve and become immune to it, i prefer a run game that is bruising and relentless, but i know that with the backs that are there, this is an immpossible request, i don't hold this on the oline either, our backs just don't have the size it takes to carry 25 to 30 times a game, and it even seems like the first 10 to 12 carries is fruitless also, averaging less than one yard is very unacceptable.
September 19th, 2009 - 6:25 pm
(in response to Don Aicher about being on the Dick Lebeau and Steeler defense being on the field for an extended
length of time)
Tomlin was talking about the Bills no huddle offense and said that the faster the offense wants to get off a play, the faster
we get the ball back...
I think so too...Defense is geared for big play or 3 and out type play...
September 19th, 2009 - 8:37 pm
Great question Don! Marino and Fouts were great at scoring quickly thru the air, but they never won a Super Bowl because their defense was on the field too long too often!
September 19th, 2009 - 11:09 pm
With the running game as its been for the last two years, our defense will probably get a longer break if we go no huttle and pass all the time- at least we will pick up some first downs. That being said, I'd hate for the steelers to become that kind of team. We need to find a way to run again. Pretty odd that we're resigning all these O'Line guys when they don't open up any running holes- or maybe its Fast Willy. A good compliment back in my opinion, but as a feature back, someone that can't inspire any O'Line to play Steeler football.
September 20th, 2009 - 10:12 am
Phillip Rivers is a pud, time and time again he shows the nfl world that this guy will never reach the superbowl, not even an afc championship game. he lacks tons of maturity at this level of his career, to me he is a mild ryan leaf but even a mild ryan leaf is a detriment, i however feel sorry for the ones who believe this guy is superbowl material.
September 20th, 2009 - 8:02 pm
We just lost to the Bears 17-14... now what was that no-huddle offense that Arians want to use? Didn't her use it today?!? Did it work? Advice to Mr. Arians... find an old master of the running game from somewhere, show him tapes of our games, sit at his feet, STFU, and listen to what he has to say. Take a pen and pad, or better yet some recording device, and use it to get us our running game back... because this R-Gun thing that we can run to win football games ain't gonna do it.
September 21st, 2009 - 3:58 am
Bruce Arians. We are NOT the Steelers of old (we could be). Willie Parker has worn out his usefullness. He is"definitely" NOT the man for "3rd and short". When are you going to let the fans see why you (scouting personnel) labeled Frank Summers as a "bruising runner", but you have not put him in to run on short yardage situations with a "big lead blocker" in front of him. He is NOT a blocking back. Is there a reason "why" you are not letting him run the ball? Quit embarrassing your faithful Steeler fans (the best in sports) by continually failing on "3rd and short". Take some of the pressure off of Ben. With a good running game he could probably be the "best" QB in the league. Our "O" line is getting better (and better). We just need some diversity in our play calling and a "true" "short yardage runner". If Summers is not the man, then bring back Redman or find "someone" who is.
September 21st, 2009 - 10:16 am
Unfortunately, the Steelers lost. The STEELERS, not Reed. Depending on a passing game in a rainstorm doesn't lend itself to success. The Bears aren't considered the top tier team in thrNFC but they ARE pretty good. The interception down close hurt along with completions by the Bears over the middle. I don't think the defensive backs had a particularly good game. It's not all on them. 14 points don't win too many.
September 22nd, 2009 - 12:39 am
I think the steelers should get rid of arians as the offensive coach. The offensive line has gone backwards since Russ Grimm has left. Tomlin was the right choice as head coach but they need to address the offensive line coach and offensive philosophy of Arians
September 22nd, 2009 - 3:06 pm
THE RUN GAME HAS ALOT TO EAR IN THIS LOSS. WE NEED TO BE ABLE TO RUN THE BALL, BUT I CAN SEE THAT THIS MAY NOT EVEN MATERIALIZE ANYTIME THIS SEASON. WITH WHAT IT HAS BEEN TO THIS POINT, ROETHLISBERGER IS ON PACE TO THROW 400 TIMES WHICH WILL EQUATE TO ALOT MORE SACKS , INFACT HE WILL SURPASS HIS SACK AVG. THIS YEAR. SEE THAT TOMLIN! FIX THE RUN GAME, AS IN REDMAN,SUMMERS.