Gorman: Roethlisberger reigns in the rain
“When he steps on the field, it’s about winning. He’s got one job to do. He’s the quarterback, and it’s his job to lead us to the promised land. He don’t blink. There’s going to be rain, there’s going to be snow sometimes. We don’t ever talk about that. We talk about how when we were kids, we used to like playing in the rain. We used to want those moments. He makes it fun for everybody.” — Steelers TE Xavier Grimble.
From Kevin Gorman, Pittsburgh Tribune-Review:
The way Ben Roethlisberger ran out of the tunnel Sunday night at Heinz Field gave Steelers center Maurkice Pouncey a feeling that something special was about to happen.
“He was so excited, pumping up the crowd and throwing his hands in the air,” Pouncey said. “Normally, he just runs out.”
The constant downpour, a quarterback’s worst nightmare, did nothing to diminish Roethlisberger’s revelry.
Roethlisberger didn’t just rain on the Kansas City Chiefs. He made it pour, completing 22 of 27 passes for 300 yards with five touchdowns and no interceptions in the Steelers’ 43-14 victory.
Perhaps it explains why Steelers offensive coordinator Todd Haley said this about Roethlisberger following the home opener against Cincinnati, which was played in similar sloppy weather:
“When you get in conditions like that, I believe Ben’s the best ‘mudder’ in the league,” Haley said. “Sometimes, I root for bad weather.”
When told he’s considered a tough mudder, Roethlisberger simply smiles and shrugs.
“I’ve been called that for a long time,” Roethlisberger said. “I guess it’s growing up in Northwest Ohio. Just because I’m used to it doesn’t mean I like it.”
No, seriously.
Roethlisberger said he hates playing in the rain.
“You think about when you want to be a great offense, you want perfect weather conditions, whether that’s a dome or no rain and no wind, things like that,” he said. “Two home games so far, and we’ve had more rain than I can remember for a long time.”
There’s one thing Roethlisberger hates more than the rain, and that’s losing.
The 34-3 defeat at Philadelphia last week — when he was outplayed by Eagles rookie Carson Wentz — left the Steelers with a sour taste. That might explain why they have won 11 consecutive games after a loss with No. 7 under center.
But that was last week, which is […]
Game 4: Chiefs 14, Steelers 43
“I told the guys, ‘We’re driving a car with a broken rear view mirror. We have to look forward, not backwards.'” — Ben, post-game.
From Ray Fittipaldo, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette:
“Five touchdown passes in five games puts Ben Roethlisberger in elite company”
As it turned out, all Ben Roethlisberger needed was a little home cooking. One week after one of his more forgettable performances in a 34-3 loss in Philadelphia, Roethlisberger threw five touchdown passes in a victory over the Chiefs at Heinz Field.
Roethlisberger became the sixth quarterback in NFL history to throw five touchdown passes five times over the course of his career. Drew Brees (10), Peyton Manning (9), Dan Marino (6), George Blanda (5) and Tom Brady (5) also accomplished the feat.
Roethlisberger extended his streak to 40 consecutive games with at least one touchdown pass at Heinz Field.It was the third time in his career that Roethlisberger threw four touchdown passes in the first half of a game. He also achieved that feat against Indianapolis in 2014 and Baltimore in 2007.
“When everyone gets involved, we can be dangerous.” — Ben.
Roethlisberger has thrown at least three touchdown passes in five consecutive home games and he became the second quarterback in franchise history to throw three touchdown passes in the first quarter of a game. Bubby Brister was the first to do it on Dec. 23, 1990, a 35-0 victory against Cleveland.
Antonio Brown caught two of those touchdown passes and moved into tie for fifth place with Buddy Dial for most touchdown receptions (42) in franchise history. It marked the second time Brown caught two touchdowns in the first quarter of a game. He also did it against the Lions in 2013.
The 22 points the Steelers scored in the first quarter set a team record for most points ever in a first quarter. The record had been 21, reached on five previous occasions.
“He’s a weapon, wherever we put him.” — Ben on Le’Veon Bell.
The Steelers set the record because they went for two and converted after their first touchdown. It was the first time this season they eschewed the 33-yard extra point and went for two. The Steelers went for two points more than any other team last season, converting 8 of their 11 attempts.
You can read more from Mr. Fittipaldo’s post-game report […]
“Ben & Steelers make a wish come true”
From Teresa Varley at Steelers.com:
Tyler Fry is normally talkative, always sharing stories and chatting about just about everything.
But on Friday he was tongue-tied and in wide-eyed amazement as he met one Steelers’ player after another.
Fry, an 18-year old with an ear-to-ear smile, was at Steelers practice and will attend Sunday’s game against the Kansas City Chiefs as a guest of the Steelers and the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
“They are my favorite team,” said Fry, who is from Fredericksburg, Virginia and battles Duchenne’s Muscular Dystrophy. “It was my dream. I am really happy about this. I always wanted to meet the Steelers. This is more than I imagined. Seeing the players has been really cool.”
Fry had his picture taken and got autographs from the players, got gloves from DeAngelo Williams, and with all due respect to everyone else, the moment of all moments came when he met his favorite player, Ben Roethlisberger. Fry painted a picture of Roethlisberger, which the quarterback was blown away by, and had him sign it so he could put it on his wall in his Steelers’ decorated bedroom.
“I get chocked up thinking about it,” said his mother, Nicky Fry. “He loves the Steelers. He gets into it every weekend with his dad. His room is completely Steelers. It’s a memory and that is what life is about for Tyler, us hoping to make memories for him. This is so incredibly special. I am so thankful. He is smiling from ear to ear. When he smiles, his whole face lights up. He is never going to stop talking about this.”
You can see some wonderful photos from Tyler’s day with the team here.
“Thank you Ben!”
A few emails from the past week that we were asked to share with Steeler Nation:
“A quick ‘Thank You’ to Mr. Roethlisberger and his foundation.
I stumbled across an article in a law enforcement publication about the support that is given to Law Enforcement / (public safety) and others.
Although I’m sure Mr. Roethlisberger is not alone with regards to this type of support being given by professional athletes of his caliber, it is so refreshing to hear about, instead of the negativity so commonly being reported by media outlets across the country.
The fact that this is ‘quiet support’ just goes to show you that the man is a class act.
I still have to root for the Patriots when the Steelers come to town, (if Tom Brady ever gets back to the playing field), but Big Ben certainly has my respect and gratitude. Thank you! — Lt. Craig S. Fournier, East Providence, (RI) Police Department.
“I am a retired Police Sergeant from Flagstaff AZ. I just read an article about the support Ben Roethlisberger gives to law enforcement, K-9 units specifically. I am not much of a professional sports fan, but I am now a fan of the Steelers and Mr. Roethlisberger.
Please forward my thanks to him for the good work he is doing.” — Gene Harris, http://wallbuilders.com/ – Presenting America’s Forgotten History and Heroes
“I just want to share my appreciation for Ben’s character and willingness to support law enforcement. His actions are positively impacting the lives of many people…it something folks who risk their lives everyday for people they don’t even know will never forget. I bleed black and gold. In fact, just last weekend I drove my family across PA to attend the home opener against the Bengals (photo).” — J. Scott Thomson, Chief of Police, Camden County (NJ) Police Department.
“Thank you for your support of law enforcement! You’re a stand-up guy and they deserve everyone’s support/respect!” — Diana Vigil.
“Thank you for your support of Law Enforcement, it was great to meet you at the K-9 trials recpetion in New Jersey.” — […]
#WarriorWednesday – Toy Soldier Edition
We recently received an email from Senior Airman Casey Hulllette, USAF (one of the “toy soldier” recreators below) that he wanted us to share with you!
“First off, I want to thank you Ben for your support of the troops and all military veterans. Second, I want to introduce myself. I’m Casey Hullette, a Senior Airman in the United States Air Force.
I’m originally from the small town of Lincolnton, NC, and my beautiful wife, Caroline, and I have been blessed with 2 amazing little boys, Tripp 4 and Finnley 2. We are currently stationed at Dover AFB in Delaware.
Now just wanted to give you a little run-down of the other 3 guys, some of the best friends I’ve ever had, and together we made it through our deployment to Bagram AFB in Afghanistan, where this picture was taken. We are all Air Transportation Specialists (we do all of the cargo and passenger movements).
The toy soldiers from left to right: SSGT Alex Franklin (currently serving in Korea); Senior Airman Kyle Bowman (currently stationed at Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Washington state); Me – with both weapons in the air; and Technical Sgt Russell Meredith (who just returned from another tour in Iraq).
From all four of us we thank you for sharing our picture with Steeler Nation.
And Ben, again, we want to make sure you understand the appreciation we have for your support of the troops. Congratulations on your success in the NFL.” — Casey.
Casey, Alex, Kyle & Russell: thank you so much for the email, and especially for your service. God bless all of you and keep you safe!
Wednesday: Ben’s “chat” with the media
The Steelers’ Teresa Varley recaps Ben’s interview:
Ben Roethlisberger is getting a proven weapon back this week with the return of Le’Veon Bell, and he is looking forward to what he brings not just to the running game, but also the passing game.
“He is one of the best in the business at what he does,” said Roethlisberger. “He can block, he can catch, and he can run after catch. I am excited to get him back out there.”
Bell missed the first three games of the season after being suspended for a violation of the NFL substance abuse policy, but like he does year round he stayed in tip top condition the entire time. Roethlisberger said the only adjustments Bell might have to make returning to the field are dealing with some new things they have put into the offense while he was out.
“I don’t foresee there being any issues,” said Roethlisberger. “If there are we will iron them out in the next couple of days. There are some things we have put in since he has been gone, but I fully expect him to pick up on it and be ready to go.
“He has been working hard. I think the mental side of it is the big area, the question mark if you will because there are some new things. He was here early this morning. I know he will be ready in practice, asking questions. I don’t foresee any issue at all.”
More from Ben…
On the Chiefs’ defense that has eight interceptions through three games:
“They make plays. Not only when the ball is tipped in the air they make a play, but they make plays on the ball. When it touches their hands, they catch it. A very good defense.”
On bouncing back after the loss to the Eagles:
“That is looking back. We are not looking back, we are looking forward. We have a great team coming to town for Sunday Night Football at Heinz Field and this will be a big test for us.”
On if pump fakes are effective against Chiefs cornerback Marcus Peters, who likes to jump routes and leads the team with four interceptions:
“Potentially, but then you have to have time to get it off because they have a real good pass rush on the […]