Get over it, Ben

By Dejan Kovacevic
pittsburgh Tribune-Review
http://triblive.com/sports/
May 23, 2012

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) listens to new offensive coordinator Todd Haley, left, during the first day of NFL football practice at the team’s training facility on Tuesday, May 22, 2012 in Pittsburgh. Quarterbacks coach Randy Fichtner listens at center. (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic)

Ben Roethlisberger's disposition seemed as sunny as the skies over the Steelers' South Side fields Tuesday morning. It was the opening of organized team activities, and he looked as loose and lively in drills - "I've lost a few pounds," he explained - as he did in animatedly engaging his teammates.
Big Ben, bundle of joy.

Right up until someone brought up the playbook.

And even then, through media questioning of how the franchise quarterback is handling new offensive coordinator Todd Haley's wholly new playbook, Roethlisberger at least went with a grin-and-bear-it approach.

I asked if he and Haley are on the same page yet.

"Well, that's the goal," Roethlisberger replied with a broad smile. "I'm going to put in extra work to learn his offense and try to get there."

Does he like what he's seen of the plays so far?

"Yeah, sure," he came back, this time with a slight shrug. "It's kind of early to see too much."

How about this OTA opener?

"It was frustrating. It gets frustrating at times. But we'll keep learning."

Roethlisberger's still smiling all this time, by the way.

Will it be hard to stay in the pocket, as Mike Tomlin and the coaches are urging him?
"Sure, yeah, I mean, whatever. I'm supposed to get rid of the ball, stay in the pocket, not take hits ... so, I guess I better learn where the protections are coming from so I don't get hit."

More laughter.

There was a lot more of this, too. And with each passing answer, it became that much more transparent that Roethlisberger has a long way to go to accept how the Steelers treated him this offseason.

I don't blame him.

Read more: http://triblive.com/sports/1836198-74/roethlisberger-think-haley-offense-playbook-steelers-stay-tomlin-ben-coordinator