Pittsburgh Steelers OC Todd Haley to Feature More No-Huddle
By Matt Shetler
Many Pittsburgh Steelers fans have been wondering exactly what new wrinkles the offense will have under new offensive coordinator Todd Haley. Haley revealed something this week and it should make quarterback Ben Roethlisberger a very happy man.
Haley revealed this week that the no-huddle will be a big part of the Steelers offensive attack and that is great news to hear.
Roethlisberger has excelled in the up-tempo attack on the rare occasion that former offensive coordinator Bruce Arians decided to use the no-huddle and often lobbied Arians to make the no-huddle a bigger part of the Steelers attack.
While it never became a staple of the Steelers offense in the past, I am all in favor of the no-huddle becoming a big part of the Steelers offense in the future.
Personally I’m in favor of anything that puts the offense more directly in Roethlisberger’s hands. He’s earned that right and should have control to direct not only the offense but the Steelers team as well.
The Steelers have the speed and the weapons to make the no-huddle a success when used properly.
In addition, going to the no-huddle frequently is a sign of trust between Haley and his quarterback. Haley recently told Jamison Hensley of ESPN.com.
"“It’s a quarterback league, and after 16 or 17 years of coaching, I now believe that,” Haley said. “You need a guy who’s going to be the field general, move the team up and down the field and control the huddle, handle the defense. Ben is in that group of top guys, and he’s proven it from Day 1 in the NFL. … With Ben handling the football on every snap, it makes it fun for all the coaches.”"
With a young offensive line and not a great situation at running back to start the season, this will give Ben more time on his feet and not running for his life or getting sacked. In the no-huddle, Roethlisberger can use his size to find his fleet receivers on quick slants and let their speed beat their opponents. Mike Wallace (hopefully), Antonio Brown, and Emmanual Sanders are all very quick and this should provide them with many opportunities to use their speed to their advantage.
If they can get the contract situation of Wallace settled, he and Antonio Brown would be downright scary for defenses to try and defend in the no-huddle. Big Ben has proven time and again that he is a leader on this team and it looks like he will be given more control of the offense. The big numbers that were put up in Arizona a few seasons ago when Haley was their offensive coordinator may now show up in Pittsburgh, but this could still turn out to be a banner year for Roethlisberger and company.