“Young QBs ready to follow Ben’s advice”
From Teresa Varley at Steelers.com:
Ben Roethlisberger offered some simple advice to Joshua Dobbs and Bart Houston, who will be the Steelers two quarterbacks on Friday night against the New York Giants in the preseason opener.
“Make sure you throw the ball to our color,” Dobbs said of what Roethlisberger told him. “If we do that, we are up for a good day.”
For Houston, the words were the same.
“Don’t throw it to the other team,” recounted Houston. “Take the shot when you can. That is basically it.”
Dobbs will start at quarterback against the Giants, with Roethlisberger a healthy scratch for the game and Landry Jones sidelined with an injury.
The rookie fifth-round pick is looking forward to the opportunity.
“Everything is elevated,” said Dobbs. “There is a lot more hype. You are playing a different opponent so you are able to go out and show your stuff, execute at a high level. I am excited for the opportunity. My plan is to take advantage of it. Any time you get reps on the field you have to take advantage. You take advantage of each and every one to show your coaches and teammates what you can do.
“I am anxious to compete. I enjoy competing at a high level. Whether it’s a preseason game or in season game, you are playing in the NFL and it’s something I dreamt about for a long time. To be on that stage with the opportunity to compete, I am very thankful for that and ready to go out and compete at a high level. I am ready to go, ready to compete.”
While Dobbs will get the start, Houston will definitely get a good look as well.
“I am very excited,” said Houston. “It’s another chance to get out there and showcase what we can do as a team and offense. We have to keep getting first downs and put the ball across the plane.”
Houston, who signed with the Steelers as a rookie free agent after the draft, said he is feeling more comfortable with the offense and that comes just at the right time.
“I am fitting in well,” said Houston. “Things are starting to click. You get some more reps with the guys, getting to know the wide receivers, their speeds […]
Police & Fire Agencies: The grant request deadline is approaching fast
The Ben Roethlisberger Foundation will be distributing grants in the cities and surrounding communities of each regular season away game for the Steelers during the 2017 NFL season including the Cleveland, Chicago, Baltimore, Kansas City, Detroit, Indianapolis, Cincinnati and Houston areas.
Ben is inviting police and fire departments in these eight cities to submit proposals detailing their needs. In addition, the Foundation will continue to make grants to several police and fire department K-9 units in the Pittsburgh area following Super Bowl LII. If the Steelers make the post-season, a grant will also be distributed to a non-NFL market city.
The mission of the Ben Roethlisberger Foundation is to support K-9 units of police and fire departments throughout the United States with a particular emphasis on support for service dogs in Pittsburgh, PA. Roethlisberger and the Foundation also strive to support Make-A-Wish. The Ben Roethlisberger Foundation distributed more than $150,000 in grants to K-9 units around the country during the 2016 NFL season, including $76,000 in the Pittsburgh community. The Foundation has distributed in excess of $1.65 million since 2007.
“We’re very fortunate to be in the position that we are able to help these K-9 units. The work that is performed by the dogs and their handlers as well as the bond that is formed is incredible. We’re just thrilled to do our small part.” — Ben.
Applications and supporting documents must be mailed and postmarked by August 15. Click HERE for all the details on how to apply!
Fans:
You can support future K-9 grants by purchasing candy on Sarris Candies’ website, (www.SarrisCandiesFundraising.com), using a special purchase code (77-7777). Sarris will donate 25 percent of the purchase price to the Ben Roethlisberger Foundation.
For more information about the Ben Roethlisberger Foundation or The Giving Back Fund, please contact Jessica Duffaut or visit www.givingback.org.
A clear case of mistaken identity
Did you miss Ben’s interview?
#7 sat down with ESPN‘s Sal Paolantonio this weekend…
Part I: Ben is asked about Le’Veon Bell’s timeline to return, and his chemistry with Martavis Bryant – Roethlisberger weighs in on Bell and Bryant.
Part II: Ben discusses his state of mind going into this season, and the possibility of squaring up against Tom Brady again in the playoffs – Roethlisberger wants to play against Brady because he’s the greatest.
It’s a Steeler Nation Saturday…
Way to go team!!! Lil’ fan Ashton Cooper makes sure to pump-up his players after a fine practice!
It’s a Fan Friday!
A colleague offered us family passes and we accepted. My son was the only person sitting at the doors where the players exit to the hill down to the field. Some players gave Carlo a ‘high five’, but Ben was the one who noticed him sitting there wearing a #7. He turned around and said, “How are you big guy?”. Ben was incredibly nice. If that didn’t make Carlo’s day!!
Afterwards, getting to meet him on the field was something he will never ever forget! He and Ashley were so nice and down to Earth to us both! I wish I could thank them for making this last minute daddy/son day so great!
