Ben Roethlisberger lit up the league last year. While completing over 66 percent of his passes, Roethlisberger threw for 2621 yards and 17 touchdowns with only 11 interceptions, which lead to a 98.1 passer rating. These numbers, along with his 13 regular season wins in a row and one playoff victory, Roethlisberger was the runaway rookie of the year and the steal of the draft at number 11.However, as the season moved on, Roethlisberger’s numbers decreased. His playoff performance also was very shaky and left many questions entering this season. Many would describe it as him coming back down to Earth and playing more like a rookie. It was different though. Outside of tiring due to the gruel of a full NFL season, compared to that of the college season, the Steelers faced top defenses in Washington, Jacksonville, New York Jets, Baltimore Ravens, and the New England Patriots. Also, for several of those games, Roethlisberger was without one of his favorite receiving targets, Plaxico Burress. Burress missed time with injury.
But now the season was over and “Big Ben” is entering his second year as Steeler starter. With expectations high and a big bull’s eye on the Steelers’ chest, many are expecting a sophomore slump from last year’s top NFL rookie. I see it differently.
The Steelers lost two starters on the offensive line, which most outside of Pittsburgh view as a problem. Keydrick Vincent, the starting right guard, signed with the rival Baltimore Ravens. Starting right tackle, Oliver Ross, went west to Arizona. The Steelers have capable replacements though. Kendall Simmons, who was poised for a breakout year last season before his injury, will return to the starting lineup at guard. Max Starks, who is entering his second year, had plays designed so he could get on the field last season. The mammoth tackle played very well on running downs and should be adept to pass blocking considering he played at pass happy Florida in college. These two men will provide plenty of time for Roethlisberger to make plays, along with All-Pros Marvel Smith, LT, Alan Faneca, LG, and Jeff Hartings, C.
Pittsburgh also lost a player who was said to be a big play threat. Plaxico Burress always had a high yards per reception number, but never really lived up to his potential. Instead, Roethlisberger will have Antwaan Randle El to throw to in addition to Hines Ward. The Steelers also added Cedrick Wilson in free agency. While none of these guys are taller than six foot, they are all hard workers and run good routes. Burress was rather sloppy. With the new receiving corps, the passing routes will be less predictable. It was a given in the past that Burress was going to be the deep threat while Ward would run the shorter routes. Now with Burress out of the equation, the Steelers become a much more versatile and unpredictable group. Each receiver now can line up on the outside or in the slot. Anyone can run the short routes or go deep. Add in rookie Heath Miller and the Steelers now have a top quality receiving threat at the tight end position.
Even with all of these options, the most important element to Roethlisberger’s success will be the running game. Duce Staley and Jerome Bettis are back and will carry the load. While the Steelers will open things up more, as Roethlisberger will have a better grasp of the playbook and opposing defenses, the running game will still be the key. Look for the Steelers to run at least 55 percent of the time, and once again a ton in the second half of games if a lead is built early. This will take much pressure off the passing game as well as open things up downfield.
The experience Roethlisberger had in his first year was very important and will greatly benefit him in his second year. With a better understanding of the NFL game, both of his own playbook and that of opposing defenses, Roethlisberger will once again be put in position to succeed. The strong supporting cast will once again relieve Roethlisberger from doing everything on his own and will help in enhancing his development to have an even better season than his first.
3 replies on “No Sophomore Slump Here”
Roethlisberger It’s players like Roethlisberger that make the NFL so fun to watch. He’s a lot like Tom Brady- you never hear Roethlisberger take credit for anything that he does well.
sophmore slump, last years’ playoffs Ben Roethlisberger and the seemingly inevitable sophmore slump have already come and gone. Namely, the 2004 postseason. Ben attempted 54 passes and was intercepted 5 times during his less than stellar playoff performance. Never had a rookie qb gone undefeated during his intial regular season and the playoffs only showed why this feat is so rare. Rookies make the mistakes Ben did against the Jets and Pats. Wrong reads, throwing off the wrong foot and rushing throws. The 2005 Steelers will undoubtedly end the regular season with less than a 15 and 1 record. That is not to say the steelers have taken a step back, but that last season was one in which virtually everything aligned just right to facilitate Ben’s success. A top flight running game and stifling defense allowed Ben to occupy a Trent Dilfer like role in a great regular season.
re: playoffs Good point about having his slump at the tail end of last season. This year the Steelers will depend on the running game, but also will allow for Ben to make plays. The passing game will be more versatile without Plaxico and Ben has had extra rep with the new and young guys with Ward missing much of camp. Now with Ward back, Ben can get his timing with him and should continue to build upon his rookie season.