So about Ben holding onto the ball too long... were we right?

[feltdizz]

Thinking about this the other day and realized everyone's praising Ben for making the transition... is it because the D is azz right now?

I know we also reaped the benefits of BIG BEN but we had a great D back then as well... it's good to see Ben and our OC recognize the D isn't up to par so we can't take too many chances. Just wish it happened before week 5.

I guess there is no right or wrong answer but it sure is nice to see Ben upright and healthy going into next season.

Knocking on wood for a healthy and drama free off-season.

[fezziwig]

I like it. I thought our offense/Haley did take into consideration the identity of the defense and yes, a healthy Ben was great and drama free to see this season. With that we weren't forced to watch our first year backup quarterbacks. To echo what you guys probably already realize about the fickle fans, my friend all season long wanted our second string backup Gardowski to be the starter. He felt his time has come and he fit the offense better than Ben. It's a sad day when I'm the voice of reason among my friends. I feel better about next season if we get the pieces in place with a position here and there than I have for a few seasons. I hope some talented free agents realize this also and want to come to the Steelers for more of winning a championship than a big paycheck.

[feltdizz]

Yinzers hate QBs... funny because I went home in Nov. and it was all Bens fault... went back for Christmas and those same critics were silent.

[ikestops85]

Yinzers hate QBs... funny because I went home in Nov. and it was all Bens fault... went back for Christmas and those same critics were silent.

I don't hate QBs but I do feel that a lot of our struggles early on was due to Ben being stubborn and refusing to go along with what Haley was proposing. Never in my wildest dreams did I think when Ben started to go with the flow our offensive line would look so much better. I really thought this team was a few years away from being competitive again. Now I have hope.

[Jigawatts]

All I know is we're gonna miss Ben when he's gone.

[flippy]

I think it's the no huddle. Ben calling the plays at the LOS means he knows what he wants to do before the snap and he's deciding where he wants to attack the D ahead of time. So he gets the ball out quicker. I think it makes a huge difference.

[pittpete]

Proof is in the pudding fellas

[Oviedo]

I don't hate QBs but I do feel that a lot of our struggles early on was due to Ben being stubborn and refusing to go along with what Haley was proposing. Never in my wildest dreams did I think when Ben started to go with the flow our offensive line would look so much better. I really thought this team was a few years away from being competitive again. Now I have hope.

Yes to this

[Oviedo]

All I know is we're gonna miss Ben when he's gone.

+2.

Just repeat after me: Cliff Stoudt, Mark Malone, David Woodley, etc, etc, etc.

25 years between Super Bowl wins and if you don't think that QB play was a major part of that then you weren't watching. It is evven more so in the "new NFL" with the desire for more and more offense...and that ain't going back to the "old days" ever.

[DBR96A]

Since 2010, Aaron Rodgers has been sacked at a higher rate than Ben Roethlisberger. And this season he had his collarbone broken when he was sacked trying to extend a play. (Sound familiar?) It's also worth noting that Tom Brady was sacked 40 times this season, only two fewer than Roethlisberger.

[feltdizz]

Since 2010, Aaron Rodgers has been sacked at a higher rate than Ben Roethlisberger. And this season he had his collarbone broken when he was sacked trying to extend a play. (Sound familiar?) It's also worth noting that Tom Brady was sacked 40 times this season, only two fewer than Roethlisberger.

Rodgers has been criticized for holding the ball as well and GB probably is a higher seed if he doesn't get hurt.

Brady lost Wes Welker, 2 TE's and also has youth at the WR position. I hope he gets sacked 10 more times this weekend.

[feltdizz]

All I know is we're gonna miss Ben when he's gone.

No doubt... and it looks like he may extend his career another 5 years if he keeps playing ball like this....

[feltdizz]

I don't hate QBs but I do feel that a lot of our struggles early on was due to Ben being stubborn and refusing to go along with what Haley was proposing. Never in my wildest dreams did I think when Ben started to go with the flow our offensive line would look so much better. I really thought this team was a few years away from being competitive again. Now I have hope.

I have always been one to criticize Ben for holding onto the ball... it works at times but it also fails a ton. I think fans of his style think wanting him to change a little bit of his game meant changing ALL of his game. I love what I am seeing.

[fezziwig]

I always cringed when I seen Ben about to get sacked, getting sacked from holding the ball too long. When he was younger he was able to make things happen at times but these past couple of seasons, not so much. I think where the team is headed now is whet Art Rooney II was talking about. Allowing the offense to be just a bit more diverse so that Ben did not have to carry the team on his shoulders and for Ben not to have the crosshairs upon him at all times. As I said before, real nice not seeing the drama of a banged up Ben limping/crawling into the final games of the season only after he missed three or four games due to injuries. Now, if we can plug in the needed pieces to our defense, we should be a force to contend with next season.

[hawaiiansteel]

Ed Bouchette @EdBouchette:

However, Rooney said that just because they extend QB's contract in the past with 2 years left does not mean they will do so this year.

[URL]https://twitter.com/EdBouchette[/URL]