Wednesday’s Q&A with the media
“I think it’s what football fans want, what the NFL wants. I didn’t get to play in it last year. I missed this. As much as this game hurts physically at the end of the day, you miss this rivalry because this is fun. It’s football in its purest form. It should be a good matchup. We will have our hands full.” — Ben.
More from Teresa Varley at Steelers.com:
Ben Roethlisberger has played in his share of Steelers-Ravens game.
He knows it’s one of the prime rivalries in the NFL, an AFC North battle that is always physical, always hard-fought, and always has a huge impact in the AFC North standings.
Despite the physical nature, which included Roethlisberger having his nose broken in 2010, he did say that the game is never a dirty one, and that is what he loves about it.
“It’s tough. It’s a physical one. It can be nasty at times. I have always felt, as many times as my nose has been broken, I have had injuries, it’s been a close game. It’s always been football in its truest form. It’s never been dirty. It’s never been nasty. It’s just been hard-nosed football. This is one you always want your bye week to be after.”
On Tuesday, Coach Mike Tomlin said the Steelers are involved in the ‘game of the week’ for the third consecutive week after taking on the Browns, who were 4-1 at the time, and then the Titans, who were 5-0 before losing to the Steelers. This week it’s the AFC North’s top two teams with the Steelers, 6-0, and the Ravens, 5-1.
Baltimore traditionally has a strong defense and this year is no different. They bring the heat from every direction, and Roethlisberger knows the entire offense will have to be on their toes.
“This is a defense that brings guys from everywhere. It’s going to be one of those games where we’re going to have to be able to keep everybody in at times. Just because you are keeping everybody in, it still doesn’t mean you have all day to throw it. The ball has to get out of your hand in a timely manner. It’s not an easy thing to do. Sometimes you have to get lucky. You have to have the right protection called, even after a blitz. Sometimes you can pick it […]
Before the game
“The greatest leader is not necessarily the one who does the greatest things. He is the one that gets the people to do the greatest things.”
– Ronald Reagan.
You can see more pre-game photos here.
6-OH BOY, Whew!!!
Classic. Just classic reaction from @_BigBen7. pic.twitter.com/dsEEjKPyjy
— Teresa Varley (@Teresa_Varley) October 25, 2020
Ben threw two touchdown passes to Diontae Johnson, and the Steelers remain perfect, holding off Tennessee 27-24 Sunday in a game originally scheduled for October 4th and rescheduled due to Titans players and personnel becoming the NFL’s first team with a COVID-19 outbreak during the season.
“A blowout became a nail-biter and eventually the Steelers’ sixth win in six tries.
Titans kicker Stephen Gostkowski missed wide right on a 45-yard field goal attempt with 14 seconds left in the fourth quarter and the Steelers held on for a 27-24 win.
The Steelers improved to 6-0.” — Mike Prisuta, Steelers.com.
Ben Roethlisberger says the win wasn't pretty today, but the @steelers found a way to remain undefeated. (@EvanWashburn) pic.twitter.com/1NxZpYGqHm
— NFLonCBS (@NFLonCBS) October 25, 2020
Lil’ Fan Friday – ‘Tiny Terrible Towel Twirlers’ Edition
“Hey!!! Did ya hear? The Steelers are 5-0!! Oh baby!!!” — Sebbie. (Photo: Mom Amanda)
“That’s right, I’m 7 weeks old…same number as my quarterback!! But I’m way cuter!! Sorry Big Ben!” — Harper. (Photo: Grandma Kathy)
“So Mom told me my doctor is a Patriots fan…loves Coach Belichick?! Swell! Not sure how I’m feeling about gettin’ this physical or this shot now?! Putting my hoodie up is definitely a good move, but I AM NOT cutting off my sleeves!! Go Steelers!!” — Ryan Legend. (Photo: Mom Tanisha)
“Warm Steelers sweatsuit – check! Relaxing on a Steelers afghan – check! Steelers helmet for good luck – check! Comfy sofa in front of the TV – check! Remote control…wait, remote control? Dadddd?!!!!” — Grayson. (Photo: Dad Joe)
“Hey MOM!!!!! What channel is the Steelers game on??? Oh, and how about some yummy snacks? Here we go Steelers, here we go!!!” — Ella. (Photo: Mom Alyssa)
“Lucy is already enjoying Steelers Sunday with dad! She will definitely own a Ben jersey as soon as she can fit one!” — Dad Neil.
Throwback Thursday: Halloween, 2017
Wednesday’s Q&A with the media
“I just wanted to be out there with my teammates. I didn’t want to let them down. I wanted to let them know I can still give everything that I have. I am not trying to prove anything to the outside world. I just wanted to keep playing the game that I love, with the teammates that I love for the fans that I love. That has been what’s most important in my mind.” — Ben.
From Teresa Varley, Steelers.com:
If you looked at the NFL rankings only, and saw the Steelers were ranked 24th overall in passing, ninth in the run game and 21st in total offense, you might stop and wonder how they are 5-0.
But if you watch them play, see what the offense is doing on a weekly basis, you get it.
This is an offense that has a lot of firepower on it, and while they aren’t putting up huge numbers, they are putting up the numbers they need to in order to be one of only two undefeated teams in the AFC, the other being this week’s opponent, the Tennessee Titans.
“It gives us balance. That is what we want to be,” said quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. “You read into any of the fans and media stuff in the offseason, we need to be more balanced, we need to run the ball. That is what we are doing.
“We are a balanced offense. We are not putting up gawdy passing numbers right now because we haven’t needed to. I would like to think if we needed to, we could do that because we have some amazing pass catchers who can do great things with the ball in their hands. What we have been able to do right now is win football games and that is what’s most important.”
Roethlisberger’s numbers this season aren’t the best of his career with 114 completions for 1,178 yards and 11 touchdowns through five games. But he is doing things right, pushing the right buttons, playing smart football and has only one interception and managing the game the way he needs to.
“I feel like that is what I have been doing the last five weeks, trying to get us in the best play I can,” said Roethlisberger. “Trying not to turn the ball over and do […]