Many wondered how Ben Roethlisberger would adjust to the Steelers hiring a strong personality like Todd Haley to be offensive coordinator, and now we’re getting a glimpse.
Big Ben spoke to Pittsburgh reporters on Friday and seemed to express disappointment that the offense isn’t shooting for bigger plays.
“Haley’s offense is not a big-play offense,” he told the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. “It’s kind of a dink-and-dunk offense.”
Asked why the Steelers never went back to big bombs after Roethlisberger and Mike Wallace connected for an 82-yard pass last week, the quarterback replied, “There’s a guy calling the plays. That’s on him.”
Columnist Joe Starkey notes that Roethlisberger did not have any venom when he made those comments.
The relationship between Haley and Roethlisberger seems to be professional and not strained, but there appears to be a significant disagreement when it comes to philosophy. Pittsburgh is 2-3 — the first time they have a losing record through five games under Mike Tomlin — so it’s understandable why people may be frustrated. Overall, Roethlisberger’s passing numbers have been relatively strong. The Steelers are fifth in the league in passing attempts (198), seventh in passing yards (1,429), and sixth in touchdowns with 10. If they were doing worse, then there would be more reason for concern.
H/T Pro Football Talk
Photo credit: Charles LeClaire-US PRESSWIRE
