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[url]http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/sports/steelers/s_607199.html[/url]
Steelers coach Mike Tomlin has always praised quarterback Ben Roethlisberger's improvisational skills and play-making ability. But rarely has Tomlin lauded Roethlisberger's pregame preparation or his knack for deciphering defenses in their two seasons together.
Times are changing. Tomlin couldn't say enough good things about Roethlisberger following his flawless performance against San Diego in the AFC divisional playoffs.
Tomlin saluted Roethlisberger -- who completed 17 of 26 passes for 181 yards, one touchdown and a 98.4 passer rating in the Steelers' 35-24 win -- in special terms reserved for Peyton Manning, whose quarterback excellence extends beyond the playing field and into the film room.
Tomlin's response to Roethlisberger's best playoff performance since going 21 of 29 for 275 yards and two touchdowns against Denver in the 2005 AFC Championship Game spoke of a growing bond between the coach and the most visible player on the team.
"Ben has been at his best not necessarily what you see in the stadium," Tomlin said. "I like the way he's been preparing. I thought he had a great week of practice last week."
Roethlisberger's decision to throw himself into preparations for San Diego has Tomlin expecting a similar effort against Baltimore, Sunday's opponent in the AFC title game at Heinz Field.
Roethlisberger picked apart San Diego's defense as though he had prior knowledge of the Chargers' playbook. He went through his progressions and consistently made the correct read.
"He was extremely sharp on his deep balls, play-action and communication," Tomlin said. "I believe the guys feed off that. I expect it to continue this week."
By John Harris, TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Thursday, January 15, 2009
anyone think the line about Ben's decision to throw himself into preparations is a little weird? Could this be what Whiz used to get frustrated about back in the day?
I understand Ben has been hurt this year and has gone through a lot.. but I wonder if Ben (being naturally gifted) does just enough to win and not the little extra to really dominate the game.
Don't get me wrong, I'm not knocking him... I don't want Peyton Manning type studying cause obviously what Peyton does is good for regular season wins but not for the playoffs, LOL!!!
I'm just glad to hear Ben is all in.. dude looked like he was in a zone last game.
Steelers coach Mike Tomlin has always praised quarterback Ben Roethlisberger's improvisational skills and play-making ability. But rarely has Tomlin lauded Roethlisberger's pregame preparation or his knack for deciphering defenses in their two seasons together.
Times are changing. Tomlin couldn't say enough good things about Roethlisberger following his flawless performance against San Diego in the AFC divisional playoffs.
Tomlin saluted Roethlisberger -- who completed 17 of 26 passes for 181 yards, one touchdown and a 98.4 passer rating in the Steelers' 35-24 win -- in special terms reserved for Peyton Manning, whose quarterback excellence extends beyond the playing field and into the film room.
Tomlin's response to Roethlisberger's best playoff performance since going 21 of 29 for 275 yards and two touchdowns against Denver in the 2005 AFC Championship Game spoke of a growing bond between the coach and the most visible player on the team.
"Ben has been at his best not necessarily what you see in the stadium," Tomlin said. "I like the way he's been preparing. I thought he had a great week of practice last week."
Roethlisberger's decision to throw himself into preparations for San Diego has Tomlin expecting a similar effort against Baltimore, Sunday's opponent in the AFC title game at Heinz Field.
Roethlisberger picked apart San Diego's defense as though he had prior knowledge of the Chargers' playbook. He went through his progressions and consistently made the correct read.
"He was extremely sharp on his deep balls, play-action and communication," Tomlin said. "I believe the guys feed off that. I expect it to continue this week."
By John Harris, TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Thursday, January 15, 2009
anyone think the line about Ben's decision to throw himself into preparations is a little weird? Could this be what Whiz used to get frustrated about back in the day?
I understand Ben has been hurt this year and has gone through a lot.. but I wonder if Ben (being naturally gifted) does just enough to win and not the little extra to really dominate the game.
Don't get me wrong, I'm not knocking him... I don't want Peyton Manning type studying cause obviously what Peyton does is good for regular season wins but not for the playoffs, LOL!!!
I'm just glad to hear Ben is all in.. dude looked like he was in a zone last game.
I know the Rats d is good and all, but I'm starting to get a feeling that this game isn't going to be as close as the last two. I think the Steelers are going to win and win big. 
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