There will be no false alarms about Steelers offensive coordinator Bruce Arians losing his job this year. The complaints about Arians not preferring “Steelers Football” are just a memory.
On the biggest play of the season, Arians called for an empty backfield with five wide receivers. CBS analyst Phil Simms wanted the Steelers to run the ball, milk the clock, and punt with under 1:20 to go. Instead, Arians smartly stayed aggressive.
“We weren’t going to play not to lose,” coach Mike Tomlin said. “That’s pretty funny isn’t it? A third-and-6 to win the game for a rookie from Central Michigan.”
The rookie was Antonio Brown, who caught a 14-yard pass to ice a trip to the Super Bowl.
“I always feel blessed to have my number called,” Brown said. “But Ben made the play.”
Many conservative coaches would have played it safer. Arians also called a pass on second-and-nine earlier in the drive that resulted in a first down to Heath Miller. The Steelers didn’t wait until third and long to put the ball in the hands of their best offensive player -- Roethlisberger.
“Steelers Football” is no longer three yards and a cloud of dust. It’s about being aggressive on both sides of the ball.
Steelers fans should be happy they have a coordinator with the guts to play to win and go with five wide receivers on the biggest snap of the season.