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Ben Wants Some Answers from Rooney
[b]Steelers quarterback Roethlisberger wants an answer from Rooney[/b]
By Scott Brown and Shawn McCullough, PITTSBURGH TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Last updated: 6:12 pm
HONOLULU — Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger has questions about the direction of the Steelers' offense, and he plans to seek out team president Art Rooney II when he returns to Pittsburgh after playing in the Pro Bowl on Sunday night.
"When I get back I'm going to go up to Mr. Rooney's office and ask him what he wants from me, what he wants from this offense, because I think that's a viable question for him," Roethlisberger said Thursday in an exclusive interview with the Tribune-Review following a light Pro Bowl practice. "He's our owner and our boss, so I really would like to know kind of what he wants and where he sees our offense going because I'd like to tell him where I see us going."
The offense has become perhaps the biggest question mark in an offseason full of them for the Steelers.
Bruce Arians, who has a close relationship with Roethlisberger, will not return after serving five seasons as the Steelers' offensive coordinator. The Steelers said Arians, whom Roethlisberger took to Hawaii as his guest, retired, but Arians said earlier this week that his contract had not been renewed.
Rooney, in an interview with Steelers.com, sidestepped a question about the circumstances under which Arians left. Rooney said that moving forward was the most important thing.
The Steelers declined to comment on what Roethlisberger said, the quarterback's first public comments since Arians' departure.
Roethlisberger had lobbied on Arians' behalf after the 2009 season, when the Steelers seriously considered ousting him. He was miffed by the timing of the change now because Roethlisberger said he believes the offense is close to putting it all together.
"We feel like we are really close to being an elite offense," said Roethlisberger, who will play in his second Pro Bowl. "For your leader to be gone is kind of a shocker for us, but you've got to be ready for it, and whatever the Rooneys and coach (Mike) Tomlin decide is our next step. I think the (Steelers') mind was made up, and B.A. was kind of ready to move on as well."
The Steelers finished 12th in the NFL in total offense, averaging 372.3 yards per game this past season. They tied for 21st in scoring (20.3 points per game). Rooney told the Trib last week that the Steelers need to improve in that area.
Rooney also said during a wide-ranging interview that the Steelers need to cut down on sacks and that Roethlisberger needs to "tweak" his game.
"From what I understood from that was, just not get hit to so much," said Roethlisberger, who was sacked 40 times in 15 regular-season games in 2011. "I think some of that's on me; some of that's on linemen. It's on everybody, so I'll put it on me and try to make those adjustments."
Read more: Steelers quarterback Roethlisberger wants an answer from Rooney - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review [url="http://pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/sports/s_778590.html#ixzz1kc9LMB4G"]http://pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburght ... z1kc9LMB4G[/url]
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Re: Ben Wants Some Answers from Rooney
Wow. I think that's the first time I've ever heard Ben put any blame on the OLine.
He must be upset about BA.
I do kinda think we need someone to really push Ben to be better instead of his best friend leading the offense and catering to him. Sometimes you need a little contention and disagreement to push someone to be better.
Granted it's not good to have a bad relationship. Just someone that can push you to be better. Someone that's willing to challenge you.
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Re: Ben Wants Some Answers from Rooney
[quote]"He's our owner and our boss, so I really would like to know kind of what he wants and where he sees our offense going because I'd like to tell him where I see us going."[/quote]
:roll:
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Re: Ben Wants Some Answers from Rooney
Gosh,
Ben sounds so pissed, I don't know how he is ever going to get over it.
This is the biggest joke of a story there is.
Here is Wexell's twitter message on the article:
jimwexell James C Wexell
Ben's just talking to reporters. You know him. He's not busting down the door.
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Re: Ben Wants Some Answers from Rooney
yikes ... that doesn't sound good.
If Ben's not careful, Rooney will send him packing and him and Arians can be together again....
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Re: Ben Wants Some Answers from Rooney
Ben needs to
STFU, He sounds like a spoiled little be! Tch
Start playing like a franchise QB and your girl friend would still be here!
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Re: Ben Wants Some Answers from Rooney
[quote=jhansle1]yikes ... that doesn't sound good.
If Ben's not careful, Rooney will send him packing and him and Arians can be together again....[/quote]
In a perfect world,..........
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Re: Ben Wants Some Answers from Rooney
[quote=Dresden][quote=jhansle1]yikes ... that doesn't sound good.
If Ben's not careful, Rooney will send him packing and him and Arians can be together again....[/quote]
In a perfect world,..........[/quote]
...........in which we descend back to the depths with a succession of Cliff Stoudt, Mark Malone, David Woodley, Bubby Brister, Todd Blackledge, Neil O'Donnell, Mike Tomczak, Jim Miller, Kordell Stewart, Kent Graham, and Tommy Maddox at QB leading us to, well, nowhere in particular. Talk about a perfect world!!! :lol:
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Re: Ben Wants Some Answers from Rooney
[quote=RuthlessBurgher][quote=Dresden][quote=jhansle1]yikes ... that doesn't sound good.
If Ben's not careful, Rooney will send him packing and him and Arians can be together again....[/quote]
In a perfect world,..........[/quote]
...........in which we descend back to the depths with a succession of Cliff Stoudt, Mark Malone, David Woodley, Bubby Brister, Todd Blackledge, Neil O'Donnell, Mike Tomczak, Jim Miller, Kordell Stewart, Kent Graham, and Tommy Maddox at QB leading us to, well, nowhere in particular. Talk about a perfect world!!! :lol:[/quote]
Ahh...memories! :wink:
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Re: Ben Wants Some Answers from Rooney
[quote=RuthlessBurgher][quote=Dresden][quote=jhansle1]yikes ... that doesn't sound good.
If Ben's not careful, Rooney will send him packing and him and Arians can be together again....[/quote]
In a perfect world,..........[/quote]
...........in which we descend back to the depths with a succession of Cliff Stoudt, Mark Malone, David Woodley, Bubby Brister, Todd Blackledge, Neil O'Donnell, Mike Tomczak, Jim Miller, Kordell Stewart, Kent Graham, and Tommy Maddox at QB leading us to, well, nowhere in particular. Talk about a perfect world!!! :lol:[/quote]
Dude,... Roethlisberger IS Kent Graham with more athleticism for his size. :lol:
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Re: Ben Wants Some Answers from Rooney
[quote=Dresden][quote=RuthlessBurgher][quote=Dresden][quote=jhansle1]yikes ... that doesn't sound good.
If Ben's not careful, Rooney will send him packing and him and Arians can be together again....[/quote]
In a perfect world,..........[/quote]
...........in which we descend back to the depths with a succession of Cliff Stoudt, Mark Malone, David Woodley, Bubby Brister, Todd Blackledge, Neil O'Donnell, Mike Tomczak, Jim Miller, Kordell Stewart, Kent Graham, and Tommy Maddox at QB leading us to, well, nowhere in particular. Talk about a perfect world!!! :lol:[/quote]
Dude,... Roethliberger IS Kent Graham with more athleticism for his size. :lol:[/quote]
[youtube:1su85x51]5hfYJsQAhl0&feature=youtube_gdata_player[/youtube:1su85x51]
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Re: Ben Wants Some Answers from Rooney
[quote=Dresden]Dude,... Roethlisberger IS Kent Graham with more athleticism for his size. :lol:[/quote]
Yeah! AND those two Super Bowl rings with the Steelers! :lol:
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Re: Ben Wants Some Answers from Rooney
[quote=SteelBucks][quote=Dresden][quote=RuthlessBurgher][quote=Dresden][quote=jhansle1]yikes ... that doesn't sound good.
If Ben's not careful, Rooney will send him packing and him and Arians can be together again....[/quote]
In a perfect world,..........[/quote]
...........in which we descend back to the depths with a succession of Cliff Stoudt, Mark Malone, David Woodley, Bubby Brister, Todd Blackledge, Neil O'Donnell, Mike Tomczak, Jim Miller, Kordell Stewart, Kent Graham, and Tommy Maddox at QB leading us to, well, nowhere in particular. Talk about a perfect world!!! :lol:[/quote]
Dude,... Roethliberger IS Kent Graham with more athleticism for his size. :lol:[/quote]
[youtube:1f5bvtiz]5hfYJsQAhl0&feature=youtube_gdata_player[/youtube:1f5bvtiz][/quote]
Why that's the cutest thing i've seen all day. :lol: However it does not change the fact that it is only in the eyes of 'Roethlisberger disciples' that is he an accurate, intelligent, elite passing QB whom posses the true humility and discipline to improve as an NFL QB.
Did i also mention that the aforementioned demographic are also the only ones whom cannot see 'Creep' almost oozing out of every pour of his "Chevy Chase's retarded little brother" face. :lol: :lol:
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Re: Ben Wants Some Answers from Rooney
Try this on for size Ben...
You are the third highest paid QB in the league & your offense was ranked 21st in scoring, the most important category. In the 2011 offseason we heard you and Bruce talk about how close you are to being an elite offense. After training camp we heard how close you are to being an elite offense. And now in the 2012 offseason we are hearing how close you are to being an elite offense.
Time to shut up and put your play where your money and your mouth are!
We need an OC that maximizes the qualities and skills of 11 guys, not one that caters to one guy.
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Re: Ben Wants Some Answers from Rooney
Well, that's a massive beat-up.
Ben doesn't sound too upset. It looks like he feels that the offense's inability to perform at their best lead to Arians being sacked- looks like Ben puts it on himself.
Chadman is sure there's a bit of a dig at Rooney there, but it'll be "on with the show" in 2012.
Non-issue. Looks like the reporter needs something to write about.
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Re: Ben Wants Some Answers from Rooney
wow.
someone might want to remind ben of who stood by him through two sexual assault charges.
the rooneys have been very good to him and he shouldn't forget it. They could have shipped him to arizona never to be heard from again on a big stage.
and I'm damn sick of waiting for this offense to be "elite".
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Re: Ben Wants Some Answers from Rooney
Here you, go... Ben wants answers, doesn't get them, wants to leave, given papers and sent to Arizona, then Peyton Manning finishes off his HOF career with the Steelers, winning 3 more SuperBowls in the process. Cool.
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Re: Ben Wants Some Answers from Rooney
The simple answer is this... Rooney looked at the $102 million investment in his QB and his OC who was too stubborn to adapt to the fact that his line is mediocre and determined that firing said OC was the ticket to lengthening his QB's career.
We've seen this drama before - Ben and Plax were great buddies, Plax was Ben's security blanket, and we let him go... and won a Super Bowl while Plax was busy shooting himself.
The way I see it is this: Lennon and McCartney couldn't stand each other, and they were the greatest songwriting team in history. Brady and his OC scream at each other on the sideline, and he's the best QB of this era. A little discord around here might be good for the W - L record.
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Re: Ben Wants Some Answers from Rooney
Nothing wrong with the W-L record... Ben's health and scoring are the main problem.
..and Plax shot himself a year after he had the game winning catch in the SB.
I don't think there is anything wrong with a coach or player being friends... It's all about the results and I really think Arians and Ben went as far as they could in 5 years. The way I ended may have been odd due to our 12-4 record and some things Tomlin said but 5 years is a long time for an OC. I wouldn't be surprised if Fitchner fete the job and him and Ben become best friends while Ben keeps playing the way he does.
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Re: Ben Wants Some Answers from Rooney
WOW, some of you really like making soap operas out of everything. Read what Wexell tweeted, drama queens. :)
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Re: Ben Wants Some Answers from Rooney
[quote=TallyStiller]
We've seen this drama before - Ben and Plax were great buddies, Plax was Ben's security blanket, and we let him go... and won a Super Bowl while Plax was busy shooting himself.
[/quote]
sounds like someone is suggesting BA might shoot himself ;)
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Re: Ben Wants Some Answers from Rooney
I just listened to the transcript , I think a lot of it is blown up... To be honest Ben don't seem that upset at all... So i retract my statement.
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Re: Ben Wants Some Answers from Rooney
[quote=Steelhere10]I just listened to the transcript , I think a lot of it is blown up... To be honest Ben don't seem that upset at all... So i retract my statement.[/quote]
:lol:
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Re: Ben Wants Some Answers from Rooney
[quote=JAR]WOW, some of you really like making soap operas out of everything. Read what Wexell tweeted, drama queens. :)[/quote]
as usual
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Re: Ben Wants Some Answers from Rooney
as for the predictions players give on how the offense will perform. what do you think they are going to say?
did some of you guys really expect the offense to be elite? with this OL? with jon scott starter at LT coming into the season?
with a RB we know likes to tap dance behind the line.
with an almost done hines and a "one trick pony" as the starting wideouts.
with the back up wideouts (a 3rd and 6th rounder) playing sparingly in their rookie years
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Re: Ben Wants Some Answers from Rooney
[img]http://www.dbqarttheatre.org/Dubuque_Art_Theatre/Much_Ado_About_Nothing_files/much_ado.png[/img]
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Re: Ben Wants Some Answers from Rooney
[quote=Dresden][quote=RuthlessBurgher][quote=Dresden][quote=jhansle1]yikes ... that doesn't sound good.
If Ben's not careful, Rooney will send him packing and him and Arians can be together again....[/quote]
In a perfect world,..........[/quote]
...........in which we descend back to the depths with a succession of Cliff Stoudt, Mark Malone, David Woodley, Bubby Brister, Todd Blackledge, Neil O'Donnell, Mike Tomczak, Jim Miller, Kordell Stewart, Kent Graham, and Tommy Maddox at QB leading us to, well, nowhere in particular. Talk about a perfect world!!! :lol:[/quote]
Dude,... Roethlisberger IS Kent Graham with more athleticism for his size. :lol:[/quote]
:wft
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Re: Ben Wants Some Answers from Rooney
[quote=Dresden]Dude,... Roethlisberger IS Kent Graham with more athleticism for his size. :lol:[/quote]
In other news, Barry Sanders IS Napoleon Dynamite with more athleticism for his size.
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Re: Ben Wants Some Answers from Rooney
Ben must have a really short memory. Not too long ago, the Rooneys stuck with Ben when even most of us wanted him gone. Time to grow up, Benny.
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Re: Ben Wants Some Answers from Rooney
[quote=RuthlessBurgher][quote=Dresden]Dude,... Roethlisberger IS Kent Graham with more athleticism for his size. :lol:[/quote]
In other news, Barry Sanders IS Napoleon Dynamite with more athleticism for his size.[/quote]
RB, you are usually spot on with your pop culture references. But I would have gone Uncle Rico with this one. Just sayin' :)
[img]http://cdn2.hark.com/images/000/003/823/3823/original.jpg[/img]
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Re: Ben Wants Some Answers from Rooney
"We feel like we are really close to being an elite offense," said Roethlisberger, who will play in his second Pro Bowl. "For your leader to be gone is kind of a shocker for us, but you've got to be ready for it, and whatever the Rooneys and coach (Mike) Tomlin decide is our next step. I think the (Steelers') mind was made up, and B.A. was kind of ready to move on as well."
Yeah, this really doesn't sound too bad. He's upset his buddy was canned, but he isn't burning any bridges. Too many are overreacting imho.
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Re: Ben Wants Some Answers from Rooney
Ben is merely reacting to a mentor being fired and anxiety around his future role in the Steelers offense. And lets not forget the additional work of having to learn a new system. And when it's all said and done, the last thing might be the thing Ben is most upset about. He gets paid alot of money to throw a ball. He will get over it.
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Re: Ben Wants Some Answers from Rooney
Anyone here been through a re-org at their company or had a boss let go. There's going to be questions when leadership changes. It's natural. I didn't read anything into Ben being curious about where the team may be headed. I also don't have any issue with him making suggstions -he's going to be the one leading the way on the field. Don't you feel good when you know you can honestly talk about they way you see things at your job?
One tiny concern is Ben thinking that being the 21st Offense and the way they struggled all season to score points in the red zone or put teams away puts them on the verge of being elite. I don't believe, and obviously the Rooneys don't either, that Arians was the coach to make that happen. As long as ben is open to possibility that a new guy can make a difference this team will be fine, if not really good to great.
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Re: Ben Wants Some Answers from Rooney
I didn't hear the tone or the context, but from what I've read, it didn't sound like Ben was upset.
There is nothing wrong with wanting to know the expectations that your boss has for you. I like to know my employer's strategic vision and the role that I'm expected to take in setting forth that vision, and from time to time, I speak to the powers that be regarding those issues.
This sounds like Ben is being a responsible employee. Good for him. Hopefully he takes it on himself to ensure that his next OC is not fired.
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Re: Ben Wants Some Answers from Rooney
I do not know if people are overreacting, Ben has put himself in alot of bad situations and the Steelers have stood by his side, and for him to even question the ownership a little bit because they let the O.C. go after the offense has made no improvements over the past few years just looks bad on his part. If Flacco were to do the same thing we would be pointing and laughing...
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Re: Ben Wants Some Answers from Rooney
[quote=JTP53609]I do not know if people are overreacting, Ben has put himself in alot of bad situations and the Steelers have stood by his side, and for him to even question the ownership a little bit because they let the O.C. go after the offense has made no improvements over the past few years just looks bad on his part. If Flacco were to do the same thing we would be pointing and laughing...[/quote]
Anything Flacco does makes you laugh.. that mustache is horrible.
I don't think people are over reacting but I think it's funny how Arians leaving and Ben showing emotion has people jumping on his back. What reaction were fans expecting from Ben?
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Re: Ben Wants Some Answers from Rooney
[quote=Dresden][quote=RuthlessBurgher][quote=Dresden][quote=jhansle1]yikes ... that doesn't sound good.
If Ben's not careful, Rooney will send him packing and him and Arians can be together again....[/quote]
In a perfect world,..........[/quote]
...........in which we descend back to the depths with a succession of Cliff Stoudt, Mark Malone, David Woodley, Bubby Brister, Todd Blackledge, Neil O'Donnell, Mike Tomczak, Jim Miller, Kordell Stewart, Kent Graham, and Tommy Maddox at QB leading us to, well, nowhere in particular. Talk about a perfect world!!! :lol:[/quote]
Dude,... Roethlisberger IS Kent Graham with more athleticism for his size. :lol:[/quote]
Wow! Is that the TRUTH or What...
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Re: Ben Wants Some Answers from Rooney
[quote=williar][quote=Dresden][quote=RuthlessBurgher][quote=Dresden][quote=jhansle1]yikes ... that doesn't sound good.
If Ben's not careful, Rooney will send him packing and him and Arians can be together again....[/quote]
In a perfect world,..........[/quote]
...........in which we descend back to the depths with a succession of Cliff Stoudt, Mark Malone, David Woodley, Bubby Brister, Todd Blackledge, Neil O'Donnell, Mike Tomczak, Jim Miller, Kordell Stewart, Kent Graham, and Tommy Maddox at QB leading us to, well, nowhere in particular. Talk about a perfect world!!! :lol:[/quote]
Dude,... Roethlisberger IS Kent Graham with more athleticism for his size. :lol:[/quote]
Wow! Is that the TRUTH or What...[/quote]
Definitely the "What" part...
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Re: Ben Wants Some Answers from Rooney
Please, Ben. Don't show your true colors. Be a professional and rise up and meet the challenges of succeeding in a functional, new offense... If Ben continues to "express" what's on his mind I wonder if he'll get the "Santonio" treatment. I still think they should have gone out the door together.
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Re: Ben Wants Some Answers from Rooney
[quote=feltdizz]Anything Flacco does makes you laugh.. that mustache is horrible.
[/quote]
One of my cousins described him as looking like a motorcycle cop in a gay porno. I can't think of a better description.