Reporters to Tomlin: Is Ben Roethlisberger the best QB for this offense?

[Steeler Nation]

“Absolutely.”

That was Coach Mike Tomlin’s answer when he was asked by reporters if Ben Roethlisberger is the best quarterback for his offense. That shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone that knows Tomlin. He would never say anything else. Whether deep down inside him he believes it, I’m not sure. It would be nice to see Roethlisberger behind a solid offensive line. That would be the true tale of whether he’s done or not. We won’t be afforded that luxury this season, or probably ever again in his career.


Tomlin was asked about his level of concern with Roethlisberger’s mobility behind this offensive line. He said it ‘wasn’t out of the ordinary’. Meaning that he isn’t more concerned this season than in season’s past apparently.

It’s him some, it’s us some collectively,” Tomlin said when asked about Roethlisberger’s missed throws.

He went on to state that some of the issues have hinged on players not practicing together, and that quarterback coach Mike Sullivan has been working on specifics with Roethlisberger.

Tomlin is obviously referencing that JuJu Smith-Schuster wasn’t able to practice a lot last week due to some bruised ribs, but it isn’t like they haven’t played together for 5 seasons now. They should be on the same page. No excuse.

Tomlin seemed to throw some blame on Roethlisberger for his decision making on the Steelers failed forth down conversions.

“There were other eligibles beyond the line to gain.”

He said he felt good about the play calls, but obviously not the execution. Now this is the second time in two weeks where Roethlisberger mis-read a blitz up the middle and threw the quick swing out to Najee Harris. Harris was of course slaughtered behind the line of scrimmage both times.

The most concerning thing to me is that Roethlisberger’s mental game isn’t where it should be. We know hes going to deteriorate physically, but he should be able to make up for some of it with his mind. It just seems like he’s too concerned about what the offensive line isn’t going to do and is just trying to get rid of it so he doesn’t take another hit.

Tomlin said he believes that everything in Roethlisberger’s game is fixable besides his mobility.

“Ben used to run really good when he was young. Those days are behind him.”

That they certainly are.

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