From an article in the Cleveland Plain Dealer this afternoon, by Mary Kay Cabot:


Ben Roethlisberger absolutely owned the Browns with a 10-0 record against them until they crushed the Steelers QB with eight sacks in a 13-6 victory in Cleveland last December.

Can the Browns even come close to that performance Sunday in Pittsburgh?

“We’d like to duplicate that if we could,” said defensive coordinator Rob Ryan. “That’s tough. We’re lucky to tackle a guy eight times. I know he hasn’t been playing this year but it’s unfortunate he had to come back our week. It’s great the young man paid his dues and came back to his team. I’m sure they’re excited about that and we’re looking forward to getting after a good football team and a great player.

“The guy’s phenomenal, the guy’s a winner and he came in the league winning and he keeps winning. I know we’re going to get their best shot but I know and I really believe they’re going to get our best shot too.”

Roethlisberger said he’s not sure how emotional the game will be for him, but that he hopes he’s warmly received.

“It means a lot,” he said. “Second chances are an awesome thing and that’s all I’ve asked for. I want to be a Steeler for life. I love playing for this city and these fans. It’s something that’s very important to me. I know a lot of people say ‘I don’t really care about the fans and what people say about me.’ Well, I do. I want people to accept me and to embrace me as their quarterback and as a Steeler.”


You can read Ms. Cabot’s full article here.


Final Reminder…

Ben’s interview with Bill Cowher will be seen on Sunday during NFL Today on CBS which starts at 12:00 p.m.

His interview with Merril Hoge will also be seen on Sunday during NFL Countdown on ESPN which starts at 11:00 a.m.