Bubble screen announces retirement from Steelers playbook

The notorious "bubble screen" announced its retirement from the the Steelers playbook this week, as offensive coordinator Bruce Arians announced his retirement too.  Arians took over as offensive coordinator in 2007 when Ken Whisenhunt, the Steelers OC for Super Bowl XL, took the head coaching job for the Arizona Cardinals.


Arians was the target of frequent criticism from Steeler Nation about the team's difficulty scoring points despite boasting a playmaking quarterback in Ben Roethlisberger and a handful of explosive young receivers, including Mike Wallace and Antonio Brown (who broke team and NFL records this year) -- all three of which are pro-bowlers.  The primary complaint about Arians was his play calling (e.g., the bubble screen).


Nonetheless, the Steeler Face is of mixed emotions about Arians departure, but ultimately accepts the decision as being in the best interests of the team.  Presented below are three images to illustrate the point:


Super Bowl XLIII: Steelers 27, Cardinals 23

Arians was the OC when Pittsburgh defeated the Arizona Cardinals (and Ken Whisenhunt) in Super Bowl XLIII, 27-23.  Big Ben and Santonio Holmes moved the Steelers 88 yards in 2 minutes and ended this classic drive with a spectacular catch in the corner of the end zone with 35 seconds remaining in the game for the win.  Surely this was a highlight for Arians too.


2007-2008 AFC Wild Card: Steelers 29, Jaguars 31

After trailing 28-10 at the end of the third quarter in a home wild card game, the Steelers mounted a furious comeback in the fourth quarter, scoring 19 unanswered points to claim a 29-28 lead.  With 2:56 remaining in the game the Steelers had possession of the ball and needed a first down to win the game.  On third and six (with the Steeler Face shouting at the top of his lungs -- "throw the ball" -- "get the first down" -- "win the game") -- Arians called for a predictable quarterback draw that gained a yard and lost the game.  The Steelers punted and the Jags moved the ball just enough in the time remaining for a winning field goal kick.  I said it then and I'll say it now -- bad play call.


And, last but not least, is this golden moment . . .


2002-2003 AFC Wild Card: Steelers 36, Browns 33

This unforgettable game was classic Brownie Elves all the way.  Cleveland jumped out to a 24-7 lead in the third quarter on the strength of quarterback Kelly Holcomb's remarkable day passing the ball.  Holcomb threw for 429 yards and three touchdowns on the day, as the Brownie Elves scored six times.  The Steelers scored five times on the day led by Tommy Maddox and mounted a fourth quarter comeback and a thrilling 36-33 win.  Cleveland's shortcoming is that two of their drives ended in field goals rather than touchdowns (as did all five of Pittsburgh's scoring drives).  Moreover, when the Steelers started their amazing fourth quarter comeback, Cleveland couldn't pick up first downs and keep the ball away from the Steelers.  Sound familiar?  It should.  The Brownie Elves offensive coordinator that day was Bruce Arians.