From Ed Bouchette, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette:

It looks as though Roethlisberger might make his second start of the preseason at quarterback and Dennis Dixon will get his first chance to run the first team after him.

Normally, Roethlisberger starting a third preseason game would be no revelation, but he cannot start in the regular season until at least the fifth game Oct. 17 and the Steelers are trying to prepare Byron Leftwich and Dixon to play in his absence.

“I like playing football, it’s what I love to do, so, if I can get out there, I’ll enjoy it,” said Roethlisberger, who started Saturday night against the New York Giants and played 30 snaps.


You can read the rest of Mr. Bouchette’s column here.


Note: Sunday’s game is on FOX at 8:00 p.m.



And if you missed Wednesday’s links:

— Ben spoke with the media after practice on Wednesday, you can watch the video here.

— Steelers.com has added some new photo galleries from both pre-season games here.

— I have added a few more photos from both pre-season games here.

SI.com feature – Best NFL Player by Jersey Number:

Sports Illustrated has put together a list of the 101 greatest players by jersey number.

According to their website, they based their decision on a combination of factors, including the player’s impact on the game, statistics and his team’s success during the time he wore the number.

John Elway took the honors for #7, however, the runner up?

Ben Roethlisberger!


You can check out the slideshow feature here (you’ll find a few more Steelers on the list!)



From the mailbag of FOX Sports’ Jay Glazer:

Question (Tom Ploskina from Philly) on Ben Roethlisberger: “I am an Eagles fan, but being from Pa. I also like the Steelers. Question being, why in mentioning Brady, Favre, Brees, the Mannings and Romo, do people constantly not mention Big Ben in their praisings? I would love to have him on the Eagles. I think he is the best in the league bar none. Has anyone checked his stats?”

Jay Glazer: “Great question…The reason why is because people are kind of stuck on what Big Ben used to be. Now he’s developed into one of the best passers in the NFL, but is still not being recognized. I am in full agreement with you that he is one of the top 3-4 QBs in the NFL. What he was asked to do early in his career was to be a game manager. But he can make every throw you want, he’s extremely elusive in the pocket and does not get the respect he deserves as being an elite player and QB.”


You can read his full mailbag here.



Also Today:

— Ben spoke with the media after practice this afternoon, you can watch the video here.

— Steelers.com has added some new photo galleries from both pre-season games here.

— I have added a few new photos from both pre-season games here.




Around the Web…


From The Sporting News:

Ben Roethlisberger led his team to a total of three points in three drives during his 2010 preseason debut on Saturday against the New York Giants.

Roethlisberger was 3-for-3 on his first possession, but the drive was derailed on a big tackle for a loss by Justin Tuck on a rush attempt by Antwaan Randle El.

The second drive ended with an interception as Roethlisberger was chased out of the pocket by Giants defenders. Roethlisberger attempted to hit Steelers receiver Mike Wallace while rolling to his right, but left the ball short and Giants corner Corey Webster picked off the pass.

On Roethlisberger’s third — and final — drive, he went 3-for-4, including an impressive 17-yard pass to Randle El to convert a 3rd-and-14 play. In total, Roethlisberger finished 6-for-8 with 76 yards and an interception. Heath Miller was his most frequent target with three receptions for 33 yards.

Roethlisberger came out of the game at the start of the Steelers’ fourth series in the middle of the second quarter. Byron Leftwich took over for Pittsburgh at quarterback.


You can read the rest here.



From Rotoworld:

Big Ben looks sharp in preseason debut.

Ben Roethlisberger completed 6-of-8 passes for 76 yards and an interception against the Giants in his preseason debut Saturday.

Big Ben was pressured out of the pocket and forced to throw off his back foot, coming up short on the interception to an open Mike Wallace. Other than that one mistake, though, Roethlisberger looked terrific behind a shaky offensive line for three drives.


You can read the rest here.



From NFL Fanhouse:

He’s not going to play in a game that means anything until October, but Ben Roethlisberger looked good enough Saturday night that Steelers fans have something to look forward to.

The crowd here at the New Meadowlands Stadium booed Roethlisberger when he completed his first pass, but that was as strong a reaction as he got all night.


You can read the rest here.



And from the AP:

Ben Roethlisberger was solid in his first preseason action with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Roethlisberger completed six of eight passes for 76 yards and led the Steelers on a long drive in making the start […]