NFL.com high on Ben Roethlisberger’s preseason performance
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger had an impressive preseason debut to kickoff his 18th NFL season. After injuries derailed his 2019 season, Roethlisberger returned in 2020 with a new group of position players. First-year offensive coordinator Matt Canada joins the fold this season with new ideas on how to revitalize Roethlisberger’s career.
The quarterback was 8-for-10 with 137 yards and two touchdowns on Saturday against the Detroit Lions. NFL.com’s Kevin Patra wrote about the outing in his Saturday takeaways.
“Ben Roethlisberger looks like old self in new offense,” Patra wrote in his takeaways. “Big Ben flashed several vintage traits, spearheading two touchdown drives in his first preseason work in Matt Canada’s new offense.”
The 39-year-old quarterback showed flashes of his younger self with deep throws and evasive moves in the backfield. Roethlisberger dropped back early and delivered a high-arching ball to wide receiver Diontae Johnson for a 43-yard gain.
“Given the QB’s struggles on deep shots last year, it was good to see him hit that heave early,” wrote Patra.
The Steelers first-team offense marched down the field for a pair of early touchdowns before giving way to the backups, encouraging all the fans in attendance.
“Big Ben motored through a Lions defense sitting several starters,” wrote Patra. “Preseason isn’t about the stats. It was about Big Ben getting reps in Canada’s offense and commanding it with ease. Test passed, with flying colors.”
There has been talk recently about Roethlisberger’s future beyond this year. With young reclamation project Dwayne Haskins on the roster and the inevitable turn of the calendar each year, Roethlisberger’s continues to show consistency. There has even been talk circulating that this might not be Roethlisberger’s final season with the Steelers.
The 2021 Steelers offense
Ben Roethlisberger is surrounded by a young core of skill position players looking to bring back his youthful performance. JuJu Smith-Schuster is joined by Chase Claypool and Diontae Johnson out wide with tight end Eric Ebron returning.
Rookie tight end Pat Freiermuth showed he is a favorite of Ben Roethlisberger in Saturday’s preseason game with two touchdown receptions.
In addition, first-round draft choice Najee Harris joins the backfield as a player the team believes can become an instant workhorse. He ran for 1,466 yards as a senior at Alabama with 425 receiving yards. Harris also scored 30 touchdowns on his way to the national championship.
The new-look offensive line promotes some long-time backups and brings back Zach Banner after injuries cut his 2020 season short. New guard Trai Turner joins to provide a veteran presence.