Jets have tough job against a very tough QB
Ben Roethlisberger Credit: Getty Images
The numbers are not what we're used to seeing from Ben Roethlisberger.
For a two-time Super Bowl-winning quarterback, Roethlisberger's production in the last three games has been downright mediocre. One touchdown pass, one interception, 12 sacks. Ouch.
But one look behind those numbers and you'll see why "ouch'' really is the operative word when talking about the Steelers' star passer. Three weeks ago, he suffered a broken bone in his right foot that required him to wear a walking boot. Then it was a broken nose that led to a surgical procedure.
But you won't hear any complaining from Roethlisberger, who is delighted to be exactly where he is: in the starting lineup with a chance to go back to the playoffs after a tumultuous offseason and an early-season suspension.
"We're kind of the identity of this town - hard-nosed, blue-collar, working-class people," he said. "That's what we try and do. We're just like the people that we represent."
The hard-nosed part, yes - even if Roethlisberger's nose wasn't quite hard enough to avoid being broken when Baltimore's Haloti Ngata mashed him. But Roethlisberger's involvement in an alleged sexual assault in March led to a period of soul-searching and lifestyle changes that he insist make him a better person and a better teammate.
Roethlisberger was never charged in the incident, which took place at a club in Milledgeville, Ga., on March 5. But NFL commissioner Roger Goodell suspended him for the first four games of the season for violating the league's personal-conduct policy.
The Steelers (10-3) went 3-1 in Roethlisberger's absence, as quarterbacks Dennis Dixon, Charlie Batch and Byron Leftwich combined to patch together the position. Roethlisberger has gone 7-2 since returning, and the Steelers have won four straight heading into today's game against the Jets.
"I think it's a credit from the top to the bottom," Roethlisberger said of the team's resilience. "It starts with the Rooneys , a family that's been here for so long, the rich tradition, the coaches and the players. We're a close group."
The Steelers face yet another test of their grit today. Even though the Jets have lost to the Patriots and Dolphins in their last two games, Roethlisberger sees them as a legitimate threat in a game that has huge consequences for both teams. The Steelers hold a one-game lead over the Ravens in the AFC North; the Jets are fighting for a wild-card berth after falling two games behind the AFC East-leading Patriots with three to play.
"They're a great defense," Roethlisberger said of the Jets. "Obviously, facing coach [Rex] Ryan so many years at Baltimore, it's like we're playing Baltimore again. They're a phenomenal defense with great players, great schemes, blitzes. They're a huge challenge for us this week."
It's especially challenging for Roethlisberger because of all the ailments in recent weeks. His foot injury is especially problematic because it has limited his mobility. Even so, the Jets look at Roethlisberger as a major threat.
"He's been sacked, but you've got to earn them," Ryan said of the 6-5, 241-pounder. "He's not going to see you coming and hit the deck like some of these quarterbacks in this league. He's a huge man. He's strong. He's a lot better athlete than you would think a guy that size would be. He's got escapability. In fact, those are the things that kill you. He gets out of the pocket and the receivers do a great job of finding ways to get open."
Look for Roethlisberger to rely on his trademark scrambles as he attempts to keep the Steelers atop the AFC North. But he isn't thinking big picture just yet, even with those two Super Bowl titles on his resume.
"It's not about playoffs for us," he said. "It's about winning another football game. It's just, 'Let's get to 1-0.' Right now, that's my No. 1 goal. Get to 1-0 and see what happens after that."
