Big Ben comes back to a 3-1 Steelers

He's Back!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Ben Roethlisberger is finally back after serving his questionable four game suspension. Going into the first four games of the season, I was probably the least optimistic person in Pittsburgh, when talking about how the Steelers would do without Ben Roethlisberger in the first four games. The fact that they are sitting at 3-1 right now is absolutely a success. However, they should be 4-0. I believe they're better then the Ravens, and if Ben had been able to play Sunday, I believe the Steelers win.

That being said, I think Ben returns just in time. The Steelers come off of a loss to a division rival and gets an extra week of practice with his teammates because of the bye week. The Steelers also don't have to have pressure of being undefeated and got humbled a little bit.

Not only that, but despite the 3-1 record, the offense was struggling. The running game looks improved, but with Ben back, defenses won't be able to stack eight in the box, and if they do, good lord, Ben might throw for 500 yards more then once this year.

During his suspension, Roethlisberger worked almost daily with his personal quarterbacks coach, George Whitfield, on his footwork, timing and throwing. He also threw more than he normally does during a practice week.“I’m not worried about my arm. My arm is ready,” he said. “The biggest thing is to refresh my mind with the offense and getting timing down with these guys.”

Everybody's favorite Slumlord, Charlie Batch, did his best in filling in for Ben the last 2 and a half games, and his best is not good enough to win a Super Bowl. Batch threw for 352 yards, 3 touchdowns, and 3 interceptions. Ben Roethlisberger threw for more than 352 yards on four separate occasions last season. No one expected Batch to be Roethlisberger. Batch wasn't good, but he was good enough.

The Steelers also learned how to run the ball without Ben, running it 58 percent of the time, compared to 43 percent of the time last year. This year's percentage reflects necessity. Last year's was a bit much.The Steelers should aim to pass 52-55 percent of the time with Roethlisberger back. Score and situation dictate, certainly. But Ben is the team's primary weapon. Steelers management shouldn't congratulate itself too lustily for re-establishing the run. Averaging 133.5 rushing yards per game and 4.4 per carry isn't bad. But the Steelers didn't run particularly well against Tennessee and Baltimore, the better of their foes so far, netting 106 and 84 yards, respectively.

However, the NFL is a passing league and the Steelers a passing team. The run should complement in strong fashion, but let Roethlisberger air it out. The receivers should also be really happy to be back. In four games, Hines Ward leads the team with just 12 receptions. That's averaging three catches a game. I know Whines Hard can't be happy with that. Last year, he averaged just under 6 catches a game.

Also watching the games over again, Mike Wallace is open on every other player. Ben is known to underthrow some deep balls every once in a while, but his arm is certainly stronger then Batch's, so Wallace's numbers should go up as well. However, no Steelers player will benefit from Roethlisberger's return then tight end Heath Miller. Miller and Ben are really tight friends and have great chemistry. Last year, Miller caught 76 passes, this year he has 10 catches in four games. An average of 2.5 catches a game, which translates to 40 catches on the year.

Also, with Ben back, the Steelers offense will be better overall, and take a lot of pressure off the defense. Last year, the Steelers defense let them down, the year before, the Steelers offense was letting the team town. Now, with an improved Roethlisberger, and improved defense, the Steelers are arguably the best and most complete team in the NFL.

So for anyone to suggest that Ben's teammates aren't happy to have him back is simply dumb. Ben is one of the best qb's in the game. That's why he gets paid the big bucks. So, I won't be surprised if number 7 leads the Steelers to Super Bowl victory number 7.