STEELERS BEAT COLTS IN MANNINGLESS GAME

Good thing Peyton Manning has a sore neck.

The Steelers (especially Ben Roethlisberger) did everything they could to give a game away in Indianapolis.

Roethlisberger made some spectacular throws –especially the bomb to Mike Wallace — but he was doing a really good Tommy Maddox impersonation for most of the night and if he had been turning the ball over to Peyton Manning instead of someone who used to be Kerry Collins, the Steelers would have been blown out.

The Steelers defense put a lot of pressure on both Indy quarterbacks but both of them spent a lot more time thinking about where to throw it than Manning would have.

There was a lot of “a win is a win is a win” talk after the game.

The Steelers know they got away with one.

They’ll have to play better next week in Houston or they’ll be looking at a blowout.

Date: September 26, 2011

Categories: Sports

Tags: BEN ROETHLISBERGER, INDIANAPOLIS COLTS, KERRY COLLINS, NFL, PEYTON MANNING, PITTSBURGH STEELERS, STEELERS BEAT INDIANAPOLIS COLTS

Comments RSS TrackBack 62 comments

Reply

jwit

in September 26th, 2011 @ 09:50

my typed rant during the game
Play calling on first and second down was awful. Bubble screens to hines ward? The slowest receiver on the field? Watch the tape, first and second downs are awful.

If you run up the middle faking a reverse to hold the end and the end makes the tackle behind the center, shouldn’t you go back and really run the reverse from the same down and distance later. Think we are going to see it?

Gay can’t cover, never could, never will.

Nice job lebeau, put troy in the parking lot next play. Way to utilize that skill set 32 yards from the action.

Anybody know if Woodley is playing? Too big in the ass to move well anymore. Someone should tell him he is supposed to smoke offensive tackles, not mimic their body types.

Clark is sloowww filling the hole, slow getting to outside.
10-3 and the only offense in ben winging it.

Legursky is not the answer at RG, can’t we find anybody that can drive block not run after the free safety as soon as the ball is snapped?

Ist and 20 dump to the second slowest guy on the field, heath miller.

Mendenhall dancing too much, try redman.

Why does everybody give up and stop running when ben fumbles

Aaron Smith looks like he was on roller blades on that play, wow did he get smoked.

This may be a playoff team due to cake schedule, but they are one and done in the playoffs.
Reply

Haas

in September 26th, 2011 @ 10:07

The game ball goes to the walking wounded, crippled, bleeding, half zombie offensive line. Indy’s defense played a great game. The Steeler offensive line gave up a lot but they held together when they had to in that last drive.

The Steelers escaped with a win but they are going to have to do better. The duct taped offensive line can only hold on so long and the running game needs to start moving forward or, as Jwit points out, they will be one and done in the playoffs.
Reply

Matt

in September 26th, 2011 @ 11:03

They need to adjust their offense to account for the fact that the receivers have a hard time getting off the line/open quickly and that their line can’t block. They could do something as simple as rolling Ben out, but Arians seems so rigid in his philosophy that I doubt that will happen. They run that WR screen 3-4 times a game and I don’t think they have ever gotten more than 4 yds off of it, it is a waste and a turnover waiting to happen.
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Sean

in September 26th, 2011 @ 11:41

I think the fact that the Steelers could barely get by against a team that Cleveland clobbered shows that the Steelers stink. I think it is high time for the fan base and the Pittsburgh media to pull their heads out of their you know what and realize the truth. Houston will blow them out this Sunday. No ands and ifs about it.
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Bobzilla

in September 26th, 2011 @ 11:52

Remember when everyone used to unjustly accuse the offense line of being awful (2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010)? Well, the O-line is finally deserving of the previous harsh criticzim. The 2011 O-line is beyond awful. Jonathan Scott has no business being in the league, and Pouncey is nowhere near the player he was a year ago.
Meanwhile, Roethlisberger passes for 364 yards, including 171 in the first quarter, gains nearly 10 yards per pass attempt, and yet his offense is held to just 16 points.
Turnover Tommy certainly has entered my mind lately. Roethlisberger, since swiping his nameplate that now graces his bathroom mirror as an inspirational reminder for the Super Bowl loss, has personally accounted for eight turnovers: four interceptions and four lost fumbles. Making matters worse, he’s on pace for only 16 TD passes. Imagine if he wasn’t motivated.
Of course, Roethlisberger did get credit for yet another miracle, fourth-quarter comeback win Sunday night. All is well over at 93-7 and KDKA-TV.
Because of his size, strength and toughness, Roethlisberger is the only quarterback on Earth remotely suited to operate behind the Steelers’ amature-ish Division III offensive line. Still, Roethlisberger has got to get back to protecting the ball, which used to be his greatest asset.

Reply

John Steigerwald

in September 26th, 2011 @ 13:03

If Manning plays, those turnovers cost a lot more.

Reply

Bobzilla

in September 26th, 2011 @ 14:06

Absolutely…
The Colts’ management has only itself to blame for the team’s 0-3 start. It’s astounding that Polian had no capable replacement or even a well-thought Plan B should Manning become unavailable. Teams that ignore the value of a quality backup QB get what they deserve. Had the Colts had Charlie Batch, instead of the unprepared Collins and Painter, they would not be winless.

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Donald

in September 26th, 2011 @ 19:42

Has Manning ever missed a game until this year? Give the Colts management a break. Finding a “good” backup is hard to do since they are generally backups because they can’t play the position regularly. If Roethlisberger went down for an entire year, the Stillers would be cooked. Just like the Colts.

Reply

John Steigerwald

in September 26th, 2011 @ 20:13

The Steelers went 3-1 without Roethlisberger last year. The Colts are 0-3.

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Donald

in September 27th, 2011 @ 04:54

3-1 on a wing and prayer. Surely you don’t think they’d have been playoff contenders with Dixon or Batch running the show for an entire year. WITH Ben, the QB wins games. WITHOUT Ben the Stillers won in spite of the QB. Big difference.

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John Steigerwald

in September 27th, 2011 @ 07:56

3-1 nonetheless.
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Bobzilla

in September 27th, 2011 @ 19:14

Roethlisberger would not have a made a bit of difference in those first four games last season. Roethlisberger’s asset to the team over the years has not been his ability to “win” games but rather his ability not to lose them … with turnovers and poor decisions.
Dixon and Batch both took turns not losing games the first three week of the 2010 season. The loss against Baltimore in Week 4 could have gone either way, just as so many Steelers-Ravens games have in the past with Roethlisberger at QB.
Roethlisberger is a good QB, the best the team has. But his presence in games guarantees nothing.

Reply

Mike V.

in September 27th, 2011 @ 07:14

What makes a good back-up QB is the ability to go at least .500 over a 4 game period. Any longer thant that, most fall apart.

When you are paying Manning the fortune you are paying him, you have to put your money elsewhere to keep him on his feet if you can. At that point, it is hard to justify paying a lot for a back up.

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a-dawg

in September 27th, 2011 @ 16:05

Agree 125% – look at Mike Tomsac (sp?) – he could come in and win a game here and there…I believe he even won a huge Monday night game in Kansas City. But give him the reins for more than a few games and his true colors showed.

Reply

John Steigerwald

in September 27th, 2011 @ 20:07

I was in KC for that game. Never saw a Steelers QB play any better than Tomczak played that night.
Reply

Bobzilla

in September 27th, 2011 @ 22:29

I do believe in 1996, Tomzak took over for the departed Neil O’Donnell, and the team finished 11-5.

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John Steigerwald

in September 28th, 2011 @ 07:11

Wasn’t that the year that Cowher declared Jim Miller the starter and then demoted him after the 1st half of the first game?

Bobzilla

in September 28th, 2011 @ 09:37

Jim Miller.
I believe you are right.
Miller eventually moved on to Chicago, and the Bears went 13-3 with him as their quarterback. Of course, Miller couldn’t live up to ESPN’s standards, and he was eventually run out of town. That’s another thing backup QBs have going against them: The media-made perception that they aren’t any good.
John Steigerwald

in September 28th, 2011 @ 09:46

(sorry-Miller) Just one example of Cowher’s inability to evaluate quarterbacks and offensive coordinators.

Reply

Bobzilla

in September 27th, 2011 @ 19:27

What makes a “good backup QB” is preparation and a complete understanding of the offense. It doesn’t hurt to also have a killer defense.
In 2008, the Patriots went 11-5 with unproven backup Matt Cassell at QB the entire season. In 1972, backup Earl Morrall replaced Bob Greise early in the season, en route to a 14-0 record. In 1976, rookie backup Mike Kruzcek replaced an injured Bradshaw and the team went 6-0.
Even Roethlisberger, in 2004, was nothing more than a third-string QB. He replaced Maddox because Batch was hurt, and the Steelers went 13-0. They did so with a stout defense, an amazing running game, and with a rookie QB who made few mistakes.

Reply

Bobzilla

in September 28th, 2011 @ 10:00

Yep, the franchise was doomed without Miller in the lineup. That old, nasty Cowher: 161-99-1. Pathetic.

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John Steigerwald

in September 28th, 2011 @ 11:36

It was a glaring example of his inability to evaluate quarterbacks. Good coach. Not great.

Bobzilla

in September 28th, 2011 @ 13:46

Cowher’s former offensive coordinator, Chan Gailey, seems to be doing quite well in Buffalo. I thought Mike Mularkey was a pretty good OC before he accepted the head coaching job in Buffalo, and Ken Wisenhunt did OK before moving on to coach Arizona.
I think you ought to invite Cowher on your radio show and hash out your problems with him. That would be quite entertaining.
John Steigerwald

in September 28th, 2011 @ 20:55

Gailey, Mularkey and Wisenhut were excellent. He passed over Mularkey for Gilbride –a disaster. And he waited too long after Gailey left and had to settle for Ray Sherman–a catastrophe. I don’t have a problem with him. I think he was a good coach. Just not a great one.

Reply

Mike V.

in September 28th, 2011 @ 13:28

Anyone can find the rare back-up who plays well. In our high school debate club society, that counts as evidence. Most don’t.

Reply

Bobzilla

in September 29th, 2011 @ 12:52

You’re still in high school?
That explains a lot.

Reply

VinceL

in September 26th, 2011 @ 11:55

This defense is starting to remind me of 1980,when the Steelers kept too many old vets out of loyalty.Hampton,Farrior and Smith have about had it.The Colts ran the ball well especially late in the game
Reply

Mike V.

in September 26th, 2011 @ 14:13

I know there is a lot of talk about how bad the Steeler’s schedule is, but as bad as it is, I don’t see them winning more than 8 games. Indy is a terrible team and they could have easily lost the game. The injuries will not get better as the season goes along (they tend to only get worse). I don’t see a point when everything comes together or how it will look when it does. Thoughts?

The Steelers are either really good or they are really bad. For example, Roethlisberger was both the best player and the worst player on the field last night. The same could be said for some of the other Steelers. That isn’t a good way for a team to win more than eight games.
Reply

francis

in September 26th, 2011 @ 16:18

…first off i think its time hines ward was pulled from the starting lineup…hes not a starter anymore…hell work fine in the slot role like randel el did…the oline is always bad thats not the biggest problem with this team…its the old ass defense…a qb named painter i believe moved the ball against that defense…that should never happen…as things stand now im willing to say this is not a playoff team…ive seen enough already…this colts team was a bad team…and if peytons playing lastnite…your steelers lose big…itll only get worse for this defense as the year continues…but have fun at the tailgates drinking like crazy…it might help blind steeler fans to the truth….

Reply

Bobzilla

in September 26th, 2011 @ 17:15

I think it’s possible that the Steelers could be 5-5 before their bye week. Then, I think it’s possible that they could win their remaining six games and qualify for the playoffs as a wildcard team.

Francis: That defense allowed one TD and scored a TD against the Colts. Put down your Boone’s Farm and pay attention.

Reply

Jeff S

in September 26th, 2011 @ 21:33

Agree with most of what your saying but the D needed to prevent Painter from driving the ball 80 yards late in the game. Friggen Painter. Thats sad. O line even worse…Could write a small book on them. Hines Ward needs demoted. He was never fast but slow to super slow isn’t cutting it. Ben needs to quit taking dumb chances….Looks like hes trying to win the game on a single play. Linemen getting beat too badly to stand back there and play around with the ball.

Reply

Bobzilla

in September 26th, 2011 @ 23:45

The Steelers’ defense was far from perfect. If not for Polamalu, who displayed his old zip, zig and zag, the Steelers wouldn’t even had a defense. That late-game TD drive by the Colts was disturbing, to say the least. Still, a unit that has allowed only one touchdown the past two games shouldn’t warrant a lot of criticizm.
The offense, however, needs to start scoring TDs. I never thought I’d say this, but the Ravens’ offense is now vastly superior to the Steelers’ offense. Joe Flacco has surpassed Roethlisberger as the AFC North’s most productive passer.
Reply

Mike V.

in September 27th, 2011 @ 07:18

This is nothing but a feeling. I don’t think the Steelers, on either side of the ball, can deliver in the clutch the way they used to. There is just something missing…maybe it’s more than one thing, but something(s) is/are missing.

Reply

Bobzilla

in September 27th, 2011 @ 18:49

I agree.
“Something” is missing.
I saw a stat yesterday that, under Tomlin, when the Steelers’ defense scores a touchdown, the team’s record is 29-0. That’s a lot of TDs by a defense that has been taken for granted for longer than Tomlin has been the coach.
Should that defense have an “off season,” I’d say the playoffs might be what’s missing.

Reply

Mike V.

in September 28th, 2011 @ 13:31

I also saw the same defense collapse in the clutch like they have many times under Tomlin.

I’d like to know what the league average is when a defense scores a TD.

Reply

Bobzilla

in September 29th, 2011 @ 12:55

In Pittsburgh, which is the only place that concerns me. the average is 100 percent.

Reply

Donald

in September 26th, 2011 @ 19:45

Right now, the two biggest concerns have to be the offensive line and defensive line.

The offensive line, well… we know. And it ain’t getting any better, while likely will get worse due to injuries.

The defensive line has been invisible this year. I don’t recall noticing Hampton or Smith at all last nite. Actually, I don’t recall noticing ANY of them. They were non-factors. That bleeds down to neutralize the LB since it’s critical that the 3 man front in a 3-4 occupy defenders and eat blocks.

I don’t know if it’s about being too old there. They’ve got young guys that haven’t broken through yet, so who’s to say they’d be any better?

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Bobzilla

in September 27th, 2011 @ 07:07

The O-line was in a shambles before the season even started. Getting rid of both Starks and Adams was a bad idea. Without Starks, Adams and Colon, the O-line has no depth and is without veteran leadership. I am just astounded that someone the size of Jonathan Scott can be so useless and worthless. Obviously, the steroids aren’t working…
As for Hines Ward: He’s still one of the most reliable receivers on the team. Wallace, Sanders and Brown are all super fast, and they all have catchy “Money” nicknames, but I’ll take Ward’s proven substance over style anytime.
Gregg Giannotti went on record as saying that “Brown had a breakout preseason.” A breakout preseason? Really? And they actually pay this guy to comment? And he actually accepts a paycheck?
As for the defense, Troy Polamalu displayed his old zip, zig and zag against the Colts. And a defense that has given up only one TD the past two games ought not be critisized too much. Have you seen the NFL’s other defenses? They ain’t pretty,
Because the NFL has changed its rules to enhance offenses and appease the fantasy football geeks, the Steelers offense is going to have to stop relying on its defense and start scoring some TDs… this Sunday in Houston would be a great place to start.

Reply

GeeWhiz

in September 27th, 2011 @ 08:44

If getting rid of Starks and Adams was a bad idea, how come no other team signed them?

Reply

Bobzilla

in September 27th, 2011 @ 18:57

Starks is badly out of shape, and Adams has priced himself out of football. I just think for “depth” purposes, at least one of them should have been kept. The Steelers have never lost a Super Bowl in recent years with Starks in the starting lineup.
I actually thought before the season, based on last season’s rotating lineup due to injuries, the O-line would be deep, experienced and a team strength. Of course, I had based that assumption on having either Starks or Adams or both on the team.

Reply

Donald

in September 28th, 2011 @ 05:20

What “rule changes” have made Aaron Smith and Big Snack stink? There were several plays where I saw both of them blown off the line by blockers. Annihilated. One particularly bad example was pointed out in replay, as Smith got whooped so bad he got in the way of Timmons trying to stunt around him.

The Stillers aren’t going to overpay for anybody, let alone O-line players that are either past their sell-by date (Adams) or a mess of problems of injury/fitness (Starks).

As for receivers, Ward is a non-factor out there. He had 3 catches for nothing. The other receivers are better than him in the passing game now. He still has a place on this team, since he is the best blocking WR they have. But Ward is has much too fat of a head to accept a lesser role.

Roethlisberger simply doesn’t pass to him as often, and that’s not because Ben doesn’t want to. Ward simply can’t get open, while the other guys do.

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Isteve Roissy

in September 27th, 2011 @ 23:44

HEY, LISTEN UP. The Steelers were in the Superbowl 3 of the last 6 years and won 2 of them. Most successful franchise of the last 40 years. They will have a franchise/hall of fame QB for the next 8 – 10 yrs. Top 5 WR in Wallace who is young and Brown and Sanders are young. Mendenhall and Redman are young. Pouncy is young. Heath has 4 or 5 more years. Ike has 4-5 more years. Woodley is young. Harrison and Troy are defensive POY’s. Ziggy is young. Heyward and Timmons are young. Sepulveda is a top 10 punter. Tomlin is regarded as a top 5 coach. Colbert is a great GM who knows what he’s doing and the ownership and orgnanization are as strong and stable as possible. Every star player they want to keep gets paid and resigned.

These are the glory days in the middle of a glory half-century. Quit all your whining people and enjoy, for real.

Reply

Bobzilla

in September 28th, 2011 @ 13:17

Isteve Roissy: I agree with just about everything you’ve said. But try to keep in mind that this is a sports blog; thus, opining, if done objectively should not be confused with “whining.”

Reply

JC

in September 28th, 2011 @ 07:00

Bobzilla, I bet you beat your wife and kick your dog when the Steelers lose. Don’t you! Admit it!

Reply

Bobzilla

in September 28th, 2011 @ 09:46

No wife.
And no dog.
If you giddy black-and-gold blinded people are incapable of discussing the Steelers in an objective and intelligent manner, go to profootballtalk.com. Or, you just email Bob Pompeani.

Reply

John Steigerwald

in September 28th, 2011 @ 09:49

You really should get a dog.
Reply

Mike V.

in September 28th, 2011 @ 17:04

Bobzilla’s interest in Bob Pompeani and the rest of the Pittsburgh media is strange.

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Bobzilla

in September 29th, 2011 @ 12:58

Mike V.: If you want to get educated, read Joe Starkey’s column in Thursday’s (9-29) Tribune-Review. Your lack of interest in knowing what the media are reporting is, you know, strange.

Reply

Tony D

in September 28th, 2011 @ 09:25

How can you acknowledge that the offensive line is horrible and then criticize and blame the quarterback for turning the ball over so much?

He’s been under seige for years, he rarely has a clean pocket, and he gets blind-sided so much, it’s no wonder he’s always looking over his shoulder.

And the offensive line didn’t just get bad, it’s been bad since about 2008.

Roethlisberger is a franchise quarterback , and yet, people like Bobzilla say his best asset is basically staying out of the way. In so many ways, this town is very anti-quarterback. And, yet, I’m not surprised.

Reply

John Steigerwald

in September 28th, 2011 @ 09:48

It’s always going to be good news-bad news with Roethlisberger. He is going to win you some games by his ability to keep the play alive and he’s going to lose you some by keeping the play alive a second or two too long.
Reply

Bobzilla

in September 28th, 2011 @ 09:56

Roethlisberger is under “seige” because he can’t read defenses. He holds on to the ball too long, and, as a result, he takes way too many sacks, especially within field-goal range. Sunday night was an excellent example of that.
I am not anti-quarterback. But I am anti-media hyping of a quarterback who seldom scores TDs. Roethlsberger threw for 364 yards on Sunday, yet his offense scored one TD. The only reason YOU aren’t whining is because the Steelers won.
I’m willing to accept the fact that Roethlisberger is a top 10 quarterback. Apparently you aren’t.

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Tony D

in September 28th, 2011 @ 11:39

Again, hard to complain about the quarterback not scoring touchdowns when he has Jonathon Scott and Chris Kemoeatu trying to “protect” him.

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Tony D

in September 28th, 2011 @ 12:04

Oh, and if he can’t read defenses, explain his two touchdown passes to Mike Wallace over the last two games which were essentially audibles at the line of scrimmage. Did you see the close up that NBC showed of Roethlisberger, nodding to Wallace and letting him know that they had the coverage they were looking for? Saying that a quarterback of Roethlisberger’s pedigree cannot read defenses is one of the more baffling things that I have ever read on the Internet.

Reply

Bobzilla

in September 29th, 2011 @ 13:10

This offense simply does not score enough touchdowns. Period. Joe Starkey addressed the issue better than I ever could in his column that appears in Thursday’s Sept. 29 Tribune-Review.
If you want to praise Roethlisberger for two TD throws, wonderful. But I can tell you this: In today’s pass-happy NFL, 16 quarterbacks have thrown more TD passes so far this season than Roethlisberger.
For whatever reason, Roethlisberger no longer possess th pocket awareness he once had, which has led to fumbles.
Quarterbacks who are deft at reading defenses, get rid of the ball a lot quicker than does Roethlisberger.
I did see Roethlsberger attempting to nod on Sunday night. I thought he was simply exercising his multiple chins. But now you’re telling me something different. Thanks for the info.

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John Steigerwald

in September 29th, 2011 @ 14:25

He took at least some of the blame for the sack-fumble-touchdown. He had communicated to Wallace that he wanted to switch from a draw play to a pass. The offensive line blocked for a draw. That would be OK if Roethlisberger gets rid of the ball quickly. The line let’s the pass rush through and Roethlisberger still tried to hold on to the ball.

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Donald

in September 28th, 2011 @ 17:02

Can’t read defenses?

You’re lying if you say you watched Sunday night’s game and it’s proof.

Let me ask you something, Bob; how exactly DO you read a defense in less than 2 seconds? Since that is about the amount of time, sometimes less, that it takes defenders to blow through/past/around that Stillers O-line.

Tell me how you do it. Tell me how Brady could do it. Or maybe Marino. Perhaps Montana.

Wait, those guys don’t or didn’t have pylons blocking for them. In fact, those teams intentionally found and paid players to protect their HOF franchise QBs.

Meanwhile, here in Yinzerville, Ben will scramble for his life nearly every passing play. He’ll use his large frame to shuck 300-lb defenders. He’ll duck and dodge. He’ll try to buy a couple extra seconds using all his athletic ability, on top of the 1.5 seconds of “pocket time” he was given by a lousy O-line.

And when he makes a bad play, which WILL happen since he’s human, Yinzer Nation will excoriate him and complain about the very thing that makes this passing offense tolerable——– that #7 holds the ball and runs around looking for plays.

Because that’s how Yinzer Nation rolls. Brains safely stored out in the garage shed, an I.C. Light in their hands soon to join 2 dozen of it’s buddies in the Yinzer’s stomach, rose-colored Steel Curtain glasses on their face, and curse words on their lips for the (ANY) QB.

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Mike V.

in September 28th, 2011 @ 13:36

Ben needs to do a much better job of protecting the ball. I know he is getting hit from behind, but he fumbles too much when hit from behind.

Ben is becoming half great and half terrible. There is little in the middle. He used to be mostly good and great in the clutch….he needs to get back to that.
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Bobzilla

in September 28th, 2011 @ 13:36

Tony D: This offensive line, because of injuries and lack of depth, is among the league’s worst, but that excuse the quarterback of throwing picks and fumbling. Roethlisberger’s two interceptions to Ed Reed occured when he was completely out of the pocket and under no pressure.
As of today, there are 16 quarterbacks in the NFL with a higher passer rating than Roethlisberger. Sixteen. And there are 15 quarterbacks in the NFL who have thrown fewer interceptions than Roethlisberger. Fifteen.
If pointing out facts — facts that the local media would never dream of pointing out — is being `anti-quarterback,” then I am absolutely guilty as charged.

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Donald

in September 29th, 2011 @ 16:28

You point out facts that are intended to back up your PERSONAL DISLIKE OF ROETHLISBERGER.

THAT is why you are “anti-quarterback”, not because Ben has made some mistakes.

Name any of those other QBs with higher ratings, that has an O-line as bad as the Stillers. Or is that a “fact” that won’t fit your narrative of “Blame the QB first, last, and always!” as a typical Yinzer mantra?

Roethlisberger HAS made some terrible throws this year, at his own fault and admission. He shouldn’t (and he doesn’t ask to) be excused for those mistakes.

No other QB in the league deals with the consistent pressure in the pocket that he does.

It’s a positive that he is a guy who is excellent at keeping his eyes downfield as he scrambles… since he has to scramble a hell of a lot the last several years.

You don’t have to like the guy. But doesn’t it get old ignoring all his success, ignoring all the extenuating circumstance he tolerates (a rotten O-line) more than any other “elite” QB in the league, just to zoom in on the couple of mistakes he makes?

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Bobzilla

in September 30th, 2011 @ 08:49

Roethlisberger has regressed from the promising rookie he was in 2004. He was magnificent in the 2005 postseason. He played the best three-game postseason I’ve ever seen.
Over the years, he’s gotten complacent, depending too heavily on one of the league’s better defenses. Making matters worse, he’s now committing turnovers at an alarming rate, which is something he rarely ever did in the past.
He’s thrown eight interceptions over the past five meaningful games. I’ve lost track of how many times he’s fumbled the ball away over that same period of time. All of that might be acceptable if he mixed in a some TD passes with his turnovers, ala Brett Farvre.
My complaint has never been with Roethlisberger. My complaint has always been with the media force-feeding propaganda that the Steelers quarterback more than what he is.
If Ron Cook feels compelled to appeal to his younger readers by writing columns that Roethlisberger is the best quarterback of our lifetime, I’m fine with that.
But what I’m not fine with is his brutal bashing of Bradshaw everytime he does it. Roethlisberger wouldn’t make a pimple on Bradsahw’s ass. Period.
I suggest you read Joe Starkey’s Sept. 29th column from The Tribune-Review. Finally, Roethlisberger, Ariens and their weak offense are starting to take some heat.
Better late than never.

Reply

John Steigerwald

in September 30th, 2011 @ 09:01

Roethlisberger does NOTHING better than Bradshaw. Of course, if Cowher were the head coach, he’d be thinking about making Roethlisberger a tight end. (Couldn’t help myself.)

Reply

Bobzilla

in September 30th, 2011 @ 09:10

Might not be a bad idea.
(Couldn’t help myself.)

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