Steelers Analyst Chris Hoke: "If Ben Is Not Ready, It Has To Be Landry Jones"
PITTSBURGH (93-7 The Fan) - Former Steelers defensive lineman and current analyst Chris Hoke joined the Cook and Poni Show on Monday afternoon to talk about a Steelers win that surprised many, and even more so because it created a new hero in third-string quarterback Landry Jones.
He was nearly perfect in leading the Steelers to a 25-13 come-from-behind win over the Arizona Cardinals.
Hoke tells the guys that if Ben Roethlisberger is not 100 percent healthy there is no doubt that Landry Jones should be the starting quarterback next week in Kansas City.
"In my mind, I think it's Landry Jones," Hoke said. "I've been kind of tooting that for awhile and I took some flack a couple of weeks ago for saying that. "It's his time. He's been here, they have groomed him, they prepared him, and you saw yesterday what he did in that second half."
Hoke says he is well versed on the offense and knows all the plays and where to go with the football. He deserves his shot to be the backup. That could all change if Big Ben is healthy and ready to go, but Hoke tells the guys that he would be cautious about that.
"I would be hesitant to put him in this game," Hoke said. "Against that defense and that pass rush. I would hold him out and bring him back for that three-game home stretch."
Hoke says Ben will try and show that he is ready this week in practice by showing he can move and protect himself, but he thinks that he should sit for another week and let Jones play in Kansas City.
One person who wants Ben back as quickly as possible is wide receiver Antonio Brown who once again was upset on the sidelines for not getting the ball, and actually showed up Jones on the field. Hoke says that is just a part of being frustrated without getting the ball and helping the team win.
"That's not him," Hoke said. "It's a frustrating time for him, but I would expect him to apologize when he meets the media this week."
Listen to the full interview here: