I have been a Ben supporter until somewhat recently. I'm tired of his whiny baby attitude. I also can't stand aloof jerky coaches, like Arians, and hopefully Haley isn't that way, but some of that may be good for ben.
I don't see Haley as a big "running the ball" type of OC, which is what that CHEEPE AZS RONEIEYS want, so it should be interesting. Seemed like the Cards had a pretty balanced attack with some good WR sets. I think the solid 4 or 5 WR's in Pittsburgh are better than the duo he had there plus whoever else was behind them, and their helmets, on the depth charts.
Agree with a lot of this and Preach's points. (I'm not sold that the Rooneys are dead-set on running the ball. I just think that they/ARII clearly saw that being pass-happy wasn't producing a sufficient amount of points, was making Ben more injury-prone and wasn't helping out the D in any way. The natural alternative to suggest is increase running aspect. I'm pretty sure if the Steelers were throwing the ball and scoring at will, they'd be A.O.K. with it.)
But on to your other points. Agree that a non-coddling approach to dealing with Ben is exactly what is needed. In contrast to you, I've actually grown to appreciate Ben more in the past year or so (my appreciation curve for Ben throughout his career would look something like the blue line in the graph below).
He's a drama queen, but he's also pretty damn tough. Talent-wise, he's phenomenal. But he hasn't had any tough love [insert joke about involuntary sex here] the past five years or so, and this has set him back developmentally, IMO. Haley not putting up with his shit will be very refreshing. And once Ben sees that Haley knows how to put up points, I think he'll lose some or all of his stubbornness.
Also refreshing will be the lack of aloofness Haley will display, and his overall ability to not only move the ball, but also SCORE POINTS.
I could be completely wrong, but I think the perception among some that Haley is, in general, abrasive, isn't quite right. Seems to me that he doesn't tolerate laziness or repeated fundamental failures, and isn't afraid to voice his discontent with even the highest-paid of players. I'm of the school of thought that a coach is a coach, and not necessarily a friend. So if what I said about Haley is accurate, then I'm completely cool with this approach.
