AFC Wildcard Game: Browns 48, Steelers 37
We were fighting all the way to the end!— Ben.
Ben’s post-game interview:
I missed the fans this year. I need to apologize to them for tonight. I need to apologize to my teammates. — Ben.
2021’s first Lil’ Fan Friday
“Meet Benjamin Atlas. At 18 months old, he is an avid outdoorsman, loves his dogs, moms and trucks. He has touched the Atlantic and Pacific (ocean), as well as the Gulf of Mexico. He has never met a veggie he doesn’t love, and cheers passionately for undeniably entertaining Steeler Defense.” — Mom Jenna.
“My name is Chris, and my children’s names are Autumn, Aubrey, Bryor and Maddox! We are the Steelers and Bens biggest fans!”
“Just wanted to send these of my son Noah, they are actually from the 2009 season but they are some of my favorite pictures of him, and he’s an even bigger Steelers fan now!” — Misty Kaefer.
“My son CJ’s birthday was on Christmas and he did a whole photo shoot!!” — Trenda.
“That’s my son Karston (age 10) and my stepdaughter, Sophia (age 11).” — Brett Worley.
Wednesday’s Q&A with the media
Half of the teams in the NFL aren’t playing this week so it’s an honor to have the opportunity. — Ben.
From Teresa Varley, Steelers.com:
On Sunday Ben Roethlisberger sat at home in Pittsburgh watching the Steelers-Browns game with his family after being ruled out to give him some rest before the playoffs.
As he watched along with his family, getting lots of questions from his son Benjamin, he kept a close eye on things knowing there was the potential he might see the Browns in person real soon.
And that is exactly what happened as the Steelers host the Browns at Heinz Field in the Wild Card Round on Sunday Night Football.
I enjoyed watching the game, not as much as playing in it. I sat at home and watched it with my family. I felt like my son asked me a question every single play, so I felt like I was really extra engaged in it.
Watching it with the knowledge that potentially we could play them again, but not knowing what opponent it was going to be. I would love to have known early on it was them, but I definitely watched it close.
Roethlisberger is looking forward to Sunday’s game, just like he does every opportunity he has to play in the postseason. He knows how precious those moments are, how rare they can be, and how you have to take advantage of every opportunity. He has played in 21 career postseason games, but not since 2017, and admits you never know when it will be your last opportunity as they aren’t guaranteed.
I think every player should approach this playoff game like it could be their last playoff game ever. We’ve used examples of players and coaches who have been in this league for a long time that have never been in the postseason, never been to a Super Bowl, whatever it may be. I think it’s prudent for every player to take that mindset and approach. I know I am because nothing is guaranteed in the game, or this world.
Roethlisberger, who said they had another players only meeting on Wednesday to talk about the postseason, said he feels the meetings are valuable as he can already see how the young players have responded to a players only meeting held a few weeks ago.
I think guys took it to heart, I […]
1-on-1 with Missi Matthews: Big Ben
I need to play my best football – that I’ve ever played in my life, truthfully. We’ve got a very good football team, a very special football team. I need to be on my p&q’s, I need to be my best, I need to not turn the ball over. I need to do everything I can to help us win football games. — Ben, on playing in the games going forward.
Looking way ahead…
with Teresa Varley at Steelers.com:
The 2020 regular season is barely over for the black and gold, but the Steelers already know their opponents for the 2021 season.
While the dates and times won’t be announced for a while, normally in April, the Steelers know who will be on the regular season schedule, including the traditional AFC North opponents.
At home the Steelers will play the Baltimore Ravens, Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns in the North, in addition to the Chicago Bears, Denver Broncos, Detroit Lions, Las Vegas Raiders and Tennessee Titans
On the road the team will face Baltimore, Cincinnati and Cleveland, as well as the Buffalo Bills, Green Bay Packers, Kansas City Chiefs, Los Angeles Chargers and Minnesota Vikings.
More here.
Two great tweets to end the year…
The @_BigBen7 return to the field with the @steelers
— Rocky Bleier (@RockyBleier) December 31, 2020
This year has been insane. I was scared and fearful of the opportunities I'd get with everything being shut down. But i can't thank @_BigBen7 & @JamesConner_ enough for helping me stay consistent and my friends and family for their support!! 2k21 🔜 pic.twitter.com/9kRFj9m3Ls
— Sean Michael 📸 (@SeanGallagherxx) December 31, 2020