Can Leftwich and Dixon keep the Steelers afloat until Big Ben returns?
Posted by Anthony Stalter (08/24/2010 @ 8:00 pm)
Merry training camp season, everyone. It’s been a long offseason, but football is finally gearing up again and to celebrate I’m rolling out a new series on TSR entitled “2010 NFL Question Marks,” where I discuss one or two of the biggest concerns that teams have heading into the new season. Granted, some teams have more issues than others, but I’ll primarily be focusing on the biggest problem areas. Today I’ll be discussing the affects that Ben Roethlisberger’s suspension could have on the Steelers’ quarterback position.
After trading Santonio Holmes to the Jets in the offseason, some feel as though the Steelers’ biggest weakness is at receiver. But Hines Ward continues to be the model for production and Mike Wallace is turning heads as a potential deep threat. I also like promising sixth-rounder Antonio Brown and there have been reports that third rounder Emmanuel Sanders could beat out Antwaan Randle El for the No. 3 receiver job by the start of the season.
If I’m the Steelers, receiver isn’t my main concern – quarterback is.
As of this writing, Ben Roethlisberger is still slated to miss the first six games of the season due to a suspension. That number could be reduced to four games, but Roger Goodell has yet to make announce his decision either way.
But even if it’s only four games, the Steelers still have to be concerned about getting off to a slow start with either Byron Lefwich or youngster Dennis Dixon at the helm. They host the Falcons in Week 1 before facing the Titans and Buccaneers in back-to-back road games. They host the Ravens in Week 4, their bye is Week 5 and then they play the Browns at home in Week 6 before going on the road to Miami in Week 7.
While it’s a rather fruitless endeavor to try and predict the success of teams in preseason, it’s probably safe to assume the Falcons, Ravens and Dolphins will be playoff contenders, while the Titans will be improved as well. I’m sure if the Steelers can play .500 ball while Big Ben is out, they’ll take it. But what if Leftwich and/or Dixon put them in a hole early in the season?
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Posted in: NFL
Tags: 2010 NFL Question Marks Series, 2010 NFL Season Preview, Anthony Stalter, Antwaan Randle El, Ben Roethlisberger, Ben Roethlisberger suspension, Big Ben, Big Ben suspension, Byron Leftwich, Byron Leftwich starter, Dennis Dixon, Dennis Dixon starter, Emmaunel Sanders, Pittsburgh Steelers
Goodell to review Roethlisberger’s “behavioral evaluation” within the week
Posted by Anthony Stalter (05/26/2010 @ 6:00 pm)
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell told the media at the owners meetings on Tuesday that he would review the behavioral evaluation he ordered as part of Ben Roethlisberger’s six-game suspension within a week. If Goodell determines that Big Ben has made progress, then he may allow the quarterback to rejoin the Steelers for offseason workouts.
What I would like to know is what process Goodell is planning to take when determining whether or not Roethlisberger should have the privilege to return to his team. What is Goodell going to do, send Big Ben into a crowded bar filled with horny chicks to see if he’ll behave himself? I’m not trying to sound insensitive in light of the previous allegations against Roethlisberger, but seriously – how is Goodell going to know whether or not the QB is worthy enough to return to football?
Furthermore, how is Goodell going to determine whether or not he should lighten Big Ben’s suspension from six to four games? Anyone can behave themselves for a month if they want something bad enough. Who’s to say that Roethlisberger has learned anything? Does Goodell have a couple of eagle scouts watching the quarterback’s every move?
I guess Goodell will just have to go with his gut and trust that Roethlisberger has suffered enough embarrassment to have changed (or is in the process of changing). I don’t doubt that the commissioner is taking this matter seriously, but I would love to find out what constitutes Big Ben learning his lesson and therefore, what it is that he did to earn a four-game suspension over a six-game penalty if that is indeed the outcome here.
Photo from fOTOGLIF
Big Ben apologizes, but situation far from over
Posted by Anthony Stalter (04/12/2010 @ 8:09 pm)
Ben Roethlisberger apologized to his teammates, family, friends and fans on Monday for the “negative attention” that he brought upon himself and the Steelers. But he’s also ready to move on and put the situation behind him.
If only it were that easy.
Here’s what Big Ben had to say on Monday (via ESPN):
“The prosecutor’s decision not to bring charges, I know without a doubt, is the right conclusion,” said Roethlisberger, who was wearing a red sports shirt and light-colored slacks. “I don’t intend to discuss any details related to the events of Georgia. I’m happy to put this behind me and move forward.”
“I am excited to get back to work with my teammates, and I’m more determined than ever to have a great season,” he said.
“I’m truly sorry for the disappointment and negative attention I brought to my family, my teammates, coaches, [Steelers owners] the Rooneys and the NFL,” Roethlisberger said. “I understand that the opportunities I have been blessed with are a privilege, and much is expected of me as the quarterback of the Pittsburgh Steelers. I absolutely want to be the leader this team deserves, valued in the community and a role model to kids. I have much work to do to earn this trust.”
Roethlisberger isn’t out of the woods yet. He still has to meet with commissioner Roger Goodell this week and after that, he may face punishment from the league. Considering this is the second time he was accused of sexual assault, there’s a possibility that he may be suspended for his actions – even though he wasn’t charged with committing a crime. Then, whether he’s punished by the league or not, the Steelers will decide whether or not to punish him for sullying their image as well.
He may think that the situation is behind him, but it’s not. No charges were brought upon him, but the Steelers are clearly fuming over this incident and they may deliver a message just as they did to Santonio Holmes when they traded him to the Jets on Sunday night for a fifth round pick. The entire Pittsburgh organization is embarrassed by the way Roethlisberger has handled himself the past two offseasons and I would be surprised if they didn’t take action.
Photo from fOTOGLIF
