Roethlisberger not treated Equal

[NorthCoast]

Anyone listening to mike & mike this AM heard greenie ranting how BR is not being protected by refs like other QBs in the league. He repeatedly asked why burdick wasn't penaliZed for the low hit on Ben. We all knew this but it was good to hear national media put some spotlight on it.

Question is, will it make any difference heading into the playoffs?

[flippy]

Anyone listening to mike & mike this AM heard greenie ranting how BR is not being protected by refs like other QBs in the league. He repeatedly asked why burdick wasn't penaliZed for the low hit on Ben. We all knew this but it was good to hear national media put some spotlight on it.

Question is, will it make any difference heading into the playoffs?

I think he gets treated comparable to other big bodied QBs. Guys like Leftwich, Garrard, Cam, and a couple others haven't really been protected over the years. I think it has more to do with these guys being as big or bigger than defenders and it's just hard for guys to bring them down as easily as some others.

The refs protect the girly/smallish QBs moreso.

[RobinCole]

I'm not seeing what you're seeing, flippy. I doubt any other QB gets hit in the head or knees/ankles as much as Ben without penalties.

[Northern_Blitz]

It's stupid, but I think that refs end up being hesitant to blow plays dead against Ben because he often shrugs off the LB and makes the play.

That being said, shots to the head and knees of QBs should always get a flag.

[SteelerOfDeVille]

I think he gets treated comparable to other big bodied QBs. Guys like Leftwich, Garrard, Cam, and a couple others haven't really been protected over the years.

oh lord he's treated like the black QBs... (scurries away from the thread, which will now become a 27 page thread)

[squidkid]

its similar to hitting defenseless receiver.
if a little guy hits a big guy, its okay. if a big guy hits a little one, its a flag.

[RuthlessBurgher]

oh lord he's treated like the black QBs... (scurries away from the thread, which will now become a 27 page thread)

I know I haven't read the word "melanin" on this board in at least the last 20 minutes...we're due.

[Slapstick]

oh lord he's treated like the black QBs... (scurries away from the thread, which will now become a 27 page thread)

That made me pee in my pants a little bit, I laughed so hard...

[flippy]

oh lord he's treated like the black QBs... (scurries away from the thread, which will now become a 27 page thread)

LOL. I didn't even think of that. I was just thinking bigger QBs.

Thinking more, I've seen McNabb and Culpepper rarely drawing flags for big hits while guys like Brady get a flag if someone sneezes on them. But I think it's their size.

Maybe the fair litmus test would be Russel Wilson because he's the size of the average 6th grader. I suspect he draws flags when he gets hit.

[feltdizz]

LOL. I didn't even think of that. I was just thinking bigger QBs.

Thinking more, I've seen McNabb and Culpepper rarely drawing flags for big hits while guys like Brady get a flag if someone sneezes on them. But I think it's their size.

Maybe the fair litmus test would be Russel Wilson because he's the size of the average 6th grader. I suspect he draws flags when he gets hit.

nope.. running QB but he is real good about sliding before contact.

I think part of the problem is Ben's size but also his reputation for "inviting" contact.

I know inviting isn't the right word but there are times when Ben doesn't have to take a hit and he does just because he is from Ohio.

[WindyCitySteel]

No fine for Burfict, Bennett, or Barron for illegal hits on Ben. This is about more than just not throwing flags.

[NorthCoast]

No fine for Burfict, Bennett, or Barron for illegal hits on Ben. This is about more than just not throwing flags.

If I was one to believe in conspirancies I might agree w this. However I recall a game where the defense literally beat the snot out of Brett Favre without a flag thrown

[SteelerOfDeVille]

That made me pee in my pants a little bit, I laughed so hard...

hope you were serious about laughing... totally a joke

I woulda thought it would be about running QB's.. Vick is slight of build - anybody remember how they called them against him in his heyday?

[RuthlessBurgher]

No fine for Burfict, Bennett, or Barron for illegal hits on Ben. This is about more than just not throwing flags.

But there are fines for purple shoes, pink gear after October, eyeblack tributes, and post TD celebrations though.

[DukieBoy]

I think he gets treated comparable to other big bodied QBs. Guys like Leftwich, Garrard, Cam, and a couple others haven't really been protected over the years. I think it has more to do with these guys being as big or bigger than defenders and it's just hard for guys to bring them down as easily as some others.

The refs protect the girly/smallish QBs moreso.

Peyton Manning 6'5" 230 lbs
Tom Brady 6'4" 225 lbs
Ben Roethlesberger 6'5" 241 lbs