PITTSBURGH TRIBUNE-REVIEW
http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/sports/steelers/archive/
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
If he did play a near flawless game with a separated shoulder, as was reported during Sunday night's national telecast on NBC, Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger is a masterful actor.
Roethlisberger shrugged off the unfavorable elements and blocked out the jolts of pain that may or may not have been shooting through his shoulder each time he attempted a pass during the Steelers' 10-6 win at Cleveland Browns Stadium.
Steelers' Ben Roethlisberger gets rid of the ball as he is hit by the Browns' Shaun Rogers Sunday night.
Chaz Palla/Tribune-Review
He ignored winds gusting as strong as 40 mph, swirling rain and a surprisingly stout Cleveland defense.
Despite playing most of the contest with a wet, slippery ball, Roethlisberger completed 12-of-19 passses for 186 yards and a touchdown pass to Hines Ward in the second quarter. He hasn't thrown an interception through the first two weeks of the season.
Glib and upbeat, Roethlisbeger entertained the media during his post-game news conference.
"The shoulder. How does it feel?" Roethlisberger was asked.
"I've still got it," joked Roethlisberger, indicating that his shoulder was still attached to his body.
Questions about Roethlisberger's injury were a topic of discussion immediately following the game.
"Ben, did you separate it last week? They said on television you separated it."
"You have to ask the trainers. I'm not sure," Roethlisberger replied.
Steelers coach Mike Tomlin stuck up for his battered quarterback like never before, maybe because Roethlisberger has elevated his game to new heights.
"He's hurting pretty bad, but he's a tough character," Tomlin said. "When the rubber met the road, we put the ball in No. 7's hands and he delivered.
"He delivered time and time again."
When the Steelers needed to kill the clock to preserve their four-point lead late in the game, Roethlisberger challenged his teammates.
"Enough talk. Let's just do it," Roethlisberger told them.
Roethlisberger's 48-yard laser to Santonio Holmes into tight coverage to set up a field goal in the third quarter was unfathomable, considering the poor weather conditions and his injury. Yet, Roethlisberger somehow threw the ball to the only place where Holmes could make the catch.
"That's why I went with the glove. I knew I could throw a tighter spiral with the glove," said Roethlisberger, who wore a glove on his passing hand for the first time this season. "I told the receivers before the game, 'I'm just going to put it close and you guys have to make plays for me.' It's the farthest I've thrown the ball in two weeks."
More significant was Roethlisberger's physical reaction to his toss.
"I (feel) great."
As do the 2-0 Steelers.
John Harris is a sports writer for the Tribune-Review. He can be reached at jharris@tribweb.com or 412-481-5432.
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