Oct. 17 marked the first game of the season that Ben Roethlisberger played with the Steelers after serving his four-game suspension. Roughly 20 protesters gathered around the entrance to Heinz Field with signs bearing slogans such as “Big Ben’s a jagoff” and “Consent is not a game.”
By Kiley Fischer
Sports Editor
Oct. 17 marked the first game of the season that Ben Roethlisberger played with the Steelers after serving his four-game suspension. Roughly 20 protesters gathered around the entrance to Heinz Field with signs bearing slogans such as “Big Ben’s a jagoff” and “Consent is not a game.”
But the protesters were in the minority as hundreds of Steelers faithfully entered the stadium wearing Roethlisberger jerseys and carrying signs of their own. Freshman Seton Hill University (SHU) football player Guy Miller saw this treatment coming. “He screwed up, but he’s just a football player and we expect football players to screw up. People want to see deep passes and points scored. Ben gives the best opportunity for this.”
Junior Reba Stramat is glad to see Ben return to the field regardless of what others think. “I support Ben as the quarterback of my team.”
But guilty or not, only one thing matters to Steelers fans now: winning. Both Miller and Stramat believe the Steelers will enter the playoffs 13-3. However, SHU alum Steve Meredith flanked that prediction. “I think that we’ll lose some tight games, but I think we have a legitimate chance to go 12-4, possibly 14-2 at best.”
Roethlisberger’s return changes more than just predictions. Number 7’s comeback also spells change in the Steelers” offense. Pittsburgh has been utilizing their running game a fair percentage of the time (655 yards of their current 1,456.) In fact, 257 of their 801 passing yards did not appear on the stats sheet until the 28-10 win with Roethlisberger back in the lineup.
The addition of more passing yards is no surprise to Miller. Before Roethlisberger’s first game back, Miller stated, “Ben will provide the undeniable threat of a downfield passing attack which relieves pressure on Mendenhall to run the ball, which means the Steelers will score more points.”
As for Stramat, she thinks the offensive improvement will come from more than just Ben’s arm. “I think Ben’s physical ability to make plays out of nothing will impact how defenses have to play against the Steelers’ offense.”
Meredith is not concerned with whether the yards come from rushing or passing. “Our points per game, yards per passing attempt, as well as our yards per rushing attempt will all increase drastically. Hopefully the most important statistic will increase…wins.”
4: The number of games Ben Roethlisberger has sat out on his suspension.
86: Total points the Steelers scored this season without Big Ben.
3-1: The Steelers’ record without Ben.
13-3: The record some Steelers fans are predicting for the season.
28: Points the Steelers recorded in Ben’s first game back.