Pittsburgh Steelers: Are Todd Haley and Ben Rothlisberger working better?

For all of the 2012 season and the beginning of the 2013 campaign, things looked like they were just not going to work between Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger and offensive coordinator Todd Haley.

Neither man has been on the same page with each other and Haley in particular has become the scapegoat for much of the Steelers problems.

December 9, 2012; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) listens to offensive coordinator Todd Haley (right) on the sidelines against the San Diego Chargers during the fourth quarter at Heinz Field. The San Diego Chargers won 34-24. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

However things have looked a tad bit better the past two weeks, leading you to believe that Big Ben and Haley just might be able to figure things out.

Most of that seems to have to deal with Haley’s willingness to adjust.

During Sunday’s win against the Baltimore Ravens, one play in particular showed signs that the two parties are willing to work together and that was the shovel pass to Heath Miller that resulted in the Steelers lone touchdown.

We haven’t seen the Steelers use the shovel pass since Hines Ward retired prior to last season, as Ward was the beneficiary of many of the shovel passes the team used.

According to ESPN’s Scott Brown, Roethlisberger asked for the shovel pass to be brought back last week and also asked for it to go to Miller instead of a wide receiver.

Brown wrote:

"Roethlisberger said he suggested to quarterbacks coach Randy Fichtner last Wednesday that the Steelers bring back the shovel pass, which had also been retired after Hines Ward called it a career.Fichtner told him it was already in the game plan, and Roethlisberger suggested the Steelers make tight end Heath Miller the recipient of the pass instead of a wide receiver."

One play is not really a big deal, but I feel it goes to show that Roethlisberger and Haley have come a long way from their rocky start a season ago. They likely still have a long way to go as a duo, but it is certainly a step in a positive direction, something Roethlisberger agrees on.

“What’s different this year is the ability and willingness to be open to change. For all of us,” Roethlisberger told Brown. “If Randy or I go to Todd and say ‘I think we should tweak this or change this’ he’s open to changing it, and same thing when he comes to me and say, ‘Hey Ben on this play let’s do it like this.'”

Of course everyone gets along great after a couple of wins. We will see if Roethlisberger and Haley’s tunes change after a few more losses.