Big Ben Talks About New Deal, What It Means to Get Sacked 50 Times a Year Until 2015

Ben Roethlisberger gets $102 million for his 26th birthday. When I turned 26 I got the Mallrats collector's edition DVD. Seems fitting on both counts.

Big Ben cleans up nice to talk about his new contract, but like every other press conference that doesn't involve a shirtless T.O. doing sit-ups in his front yard, we didn't learn much. Well, other than it looks like Roethlisberger has fully recovered from his 2006 motorcycle accident. And when I say "fully recovered" I mean "fully recovered his cherubic features." Look at this from the '06 ESPY's, and then watch the video again.

To be fair, Big Ben needs to put on as much weight as he can; if the Steelers don't fix the offensive line, currently labeled "Gaping Hole" on the team depth chart, he'll be taking plenty of hits next year. In fact, there's a good chance he'll set some kind of sack record if Pittsburgh doesn't completely overhaul the front five. Maybe that's an overreaction, but I'd settle for Sean Mahan getting demoted to back-up long snapper.

That would be a good start. And then the Steelers should figure out how to make this happen.

Hat tip: Hashmarks

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

3-03-2008 @ 7:42PM

ajwintersohl said...

There's no question it takes a team effort to succeed but Ben Roethlisberger deserves the contract he received because, like it or not, he is one of the elite quarterbacks in the NFL.

He started his first season 15-1 including the playoff game, took Pittsburgh to a victory in the Superbowl his second year (and yes, his stats in the Superbowl isn't what most would say was a great QB performance but the man did rush for a touchdown, managed the game like a seasoned veteran, and layed a block to let Antwaan Randle El pass to Hines Ward for a touchdown in Superbowl XL's signature play), and after a crippling performance having smashed his face off a car, an apendectomy, and two concussions, came back for his fourth year to lead the Steelers to the playoffs and had the second best QB rating behind Tom Brady.

The man is simply one the best QB's in the league and anyone that can't see that is either a Browns/Bengals/Ravens fan or an uneducated child.

Go Steelers!

3-03-2008 @ 8:51PM

Rick Vogt said...

Well said.

3-03-2008 @ 8:49PM

Bill Walters said...

Holy Shit!

That has nothing to do with the money, it is in response to aj's post!

3-03-2008 @ 11:37PM

Joe said...

Glad to see the Steelers plan on protecting their 100mil investment by getting rid of dead weight like Faneca and keeping Starks!

3-04-2008 @ 7:38PM

Now if we get rid of Arians maybe someone can develop a game plan that ben can use and earn his money ...unless being thrown to the ground is what he is supposed to be paid for.

A lot of work here. Steeler fans will become very disappointed over the next few years. Pittsburgh will not be a contender for some time yet.

3-04-2008 @ 10:37PM

Pops said...

The Steelers need some play makers to stretch the field and keep the rush away from Ben. They need to make some moves or he will be making that money on his back.

3-05-2008 @ 8:22AM

All in good time. I hope!!!!!!!!!