The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports Steelers new OC Bruce Arians expects QB Ben Roethlisberger to have a breakout season. Roethlisberger helped rewrite the Steelers' offensive playbook, in collaboration with Arians. Roethlisberger and Arians crafted a larger role for the Steelers' quarterback in the new playbook. "He's always had good control of what he's doing, we're just asking him to do more," Arians said. "We're expanding his role. He embraced it. He's spent a lot of time at it." The increased role for Roethlisberger includes more planned use of the no-huddle offense, more use of three and four receivers on first and second downs with the quarterback under center and not in the shotgun, and more freedom for him to change the blocking protection and the play at the line of scrimmage. The previous staff of HC Bill Cowher and OC Ken Whisenhunt limited what Roethlisberger could do, a necessary process because he was thrust into the job in just his third game after QB Tommy Maddox's right elbow was injured. They gave him additional duties in his second and third seasons, but nothing like what Arians is doing this year. "Kenny did a great job of protecting him," Arians said. "He was with a veteran group that all he had to do was go in and play. We want him to continue that mode but expand it, and have audibles -- if you see things, take them." Roethlisberger threw 23 interceptions last season due to bad throws and protection breakdowns. Roethlisberger threw 469 passes last season, fourth most in club history and 75 percent more than the 268 he attempted in 2005.
Roethlisberger Expected to Thrive Under New Offense
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I watched alot of Steeler games last season and one thing is clear about Roth. He isnt very good. The Steelers will lack emotion this season with losing the emotional leader on defense Joey Porter. Not expecting much from the Steelers next season.
Im in agreement. Despite his amazing win/loss record to begin his career, hes suprisingly average.
Best play hes ever made was tackling a defender whos wife/gf stabbed him before the game.
With this Bruce thing, Id expect to see something by game 4, if any progress at all.
Best play hes ever made was tackling a defender whos wife/gf stabbed him before the game.
With this Bruce thing, Id expect to see something by game 4, if any progress at all.
