Big Ben sets Steelers single-season TD record

By Scott Brown
TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Monday, December 17, 2007



Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger completes a pass to Willie Parker, while being hit by Jaguars linebacker Daryl Smith during the third quarter Sunday, Dec. 16, 2007, at Heinz Field. Jacksonville defeated the Steelers, 29-22.
Christopher Horner/TRIBUNE-REVIEW

Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger threw three touchdown passes in the Steelers' 29-22 loss to the Jaguars on Sunday, setting the team's single-season record (29). Not bad for a guy who only practiced one day last week because of a sore shoulder. Roethlisberger completed 16-of-33 passes for 145 yards, but he was victimized by a handful of dropped passes. He also was sacked five times. Roethlisberger, who broke the touchdown record that Terry Bradshaw set in 1978, sidestepped questions about his shoulder. Asked if it would be well enough for Roethlisberger to play Thursday night, when the Steelers visit the St. Louis Rams, he said, "we have to wait until the adrenaline comes down, but I'm sure we'll be ready."



Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger is dropped to the ground by the Jaguars' Bobby McCray during third-quarter action at Heinz Field, Dec. 16, 2007. The Jaguars won the game 29-22.
Philip G. Pavely/TRIBUNE-REVIEW

• Starting cornerback Ike Taylor hurt his left knee in the second quarter, but he didn't come out of the game until early in the fourth.

"They just told me to relax," Taylor said of the Steelers' trainers and medical personnel. "They told me to sit down."

Taylor said he doesn't know how badly his knee is hurt. He said the team will determine today if he needs to undergo any tests. Taylor said he wanted to keep playing yesterday but added, "You can't be too stubborn."

• Starting left tackle Marvel Smith left the game in the fourth quarter because of a bad back.

"He was in a great deal of pain," Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said.

Max Starks played in place of Smith, who has battled back problems all season. Kickoff and punt returner Allen Rossum left the game in the third quarter after taking a hard hit to the head.

• Running back Willie Parker (100 yards on 14 carries) posted his eighth 100-yard rushing game of the season.

• Wide receiver Hines Ward has caught at least one pass in 145 consecutive games, extending his team record.

• Steelers inactives were wide receiver Willie Reid, safety Grant Mason, linebacker Andre Frazier, guard/center Darnell Stapleton, offensive tackle Trai Essex, tight end Jon Dekker, defensive end Ryan McBean and quarterback Brian St. Pierre.


Scott Brown can be reached at sbrown@tribweb.com or 412-481-5432.