It's funny to hear those claim Arians is Whisenhunt Part II because he was Whisenhunt's replacement in Pittsburgh. Comparing these two is like comparing Patrick Peterson to Adrian Peterson because they share a last name. Reality is this, outside of the fact that both were OC for the Steelers; that's where the similarities end.
Arians likes to run and encorporate screen plays into his offense. Whisenhunt wouldn't know the difference between a screen play and a screen door.
Arians works with his talent on offense to work within their strengths. With Whisenhunt, it was his way or no way on offense.
Whisenhunt lived and died on having his QB run plays with 5 to 7 step drops. I can't say I have inside on what Arians' playbook will be, but I'm pretty certain we won't be seeing nearly as many plays which involve the 5-7 step drops.
Arians works CLOSELY with his QB. He did in Cleveland, he did in Pittsburgh, he did in Indianapolis. Whisenhunt? Not so much. Andrew Luck and Ben Roethlisberger absolutely loved Arians... Loved him to the point where Roethlisberger publicly voiced anger at the Steeler organization for letting Arians get away. I'd be willing to wager Kevin Kolb, Ryan Lindley or John Skelton won't be making public statements of adulation over Whisenhunt anytime soon.
I'll be the first to say, Arians wasn't my first choice, or even my second (McCoy and Roman were 1-1A).. However, don't let previous coordinator position similarities cloud your judgement of Arians. The Cards aren't replacing Whisenhunt with Whisenhunt II.. They both were OC for the Steelers. That's where the similarities end.
