Todd Haley's Offense Suits Pittsburgh Steelers' Style Of Play

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Two games into the 2014 season, fans were calling for Pittsburgh Steelers‘ offensive coordinator Todd Haley’s job. The Steelers had squeaked past the Cleveland Browns in Week 1 before getting blown out in embarrassing fashion on the road against their long-time rivals, the Baltimore Ravens.

That’s why the fans calling for his job don’t get to choose on who coaches the Steelers.

The Steelers went on to rewrite the record books offensively, with a pair of their players making history. Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger set the record for passing yards and completions in a season while wide receiver Antonio Brown set records for receptions, receiving yards and touchdowns. In addition to the slew of records, running back Le’Veon Bell became arguably the best all-around running back in the league.

They didn’t do it alone. Haley made an effort to get the ball to his playmakers in space and allow them to excel. He got Brown in space by throwing quick screens to him and utilizing his expert route running all over the field, while Bell excelled to the tune of 2215 yards from scrimmage and 11 total touchdowns. Haley paced him through the system, running him as a receiver and a running back to use his speed and athleticism.

Roethlisberger excelled as well, which was also largely due to Haley’s leadership. Roethlisberger had trouble in past seasons staying healthy, as he oftentimes held onto the ball too long trying to make plays. Haley helped him avoid this by getting the ball out of his hands and into those of his playmakers, such as Brown and Bell. He was also hit less and looked comfortable in the pocket as he went through his progressions, keeping him upright.

Haley has turned this offense into a juggernaut — one that defenses dread facing. He has done a good job of keeping his players healthy and using each of them to their full potential. With a new season with a few new players coming in, the sky is the limit for Haley and the Steelers.

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