Belichick On Roethlisberger's Comments: 'Sounds Like Ben Buttering Us Up'

BOSTON (CBS) -- Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger had some nice things to say about the New England defensive line on Sunday, but Bill Belichick isn't really buying it.

Asked about the Patriots' depth on the defensive front on a conference call with the New England media, Roethlisberger complimented the "high motor" each player possesses and praised Belichick's many different schemes.

"They keep guys fresh. They keep guys with high motors. They can be complicated at times, their defense and the front seven. They can also be very plain and basic. But even when they are plain and basic and just rush four guys, their motors never stop," said Roethlisberger. "I think that's probably one of the reasons why Coach Belichick kept 11 because he is going to want fresh guys in there at all times. That's something that we've noticed and we are going to have to try to be prepared for.

"We are just going to keep looking at different things and try to find some tendencies. I know we won't be able to find too many because of the genius that Coach Belichick is, but we will try to make some in-game adjustments as well," he said.

Made aware of Big Ben's comments on Monday, Belichick couldn't help but break a bit of a smile.

"That sounds like Ben buttering us up pretty good, you know," said Belichick. "Half these guys have never played against him – but that's very complimentary of Ben to say that. We'll see; we'll see. I mean, look, it's the opening game of the year, it's Thursday night, I'd like to think everybody's motor will be running, but maybe not. We'll see."

A few questions later, Belichick used his own opportunity to "butter up" Roethlisberger when asked about the quarterback's ability to keep plays alive.

"I'd say he's as good as anybody. There are other players that are maybe faster than he is, but he's very hard to tackle, very difficult to get down. On top of that, he's got great vision, very good accuracy down the field," Belichick said. "Again, he doesn't have to step into the throw or have a clean pocket. He can make throws with guys hanging all over him, falling down, so he's as good as anybody we play at that."

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In:
• Pittsburgh Steelers
• Bill Belichick
• NFL
• New England Patriots
• Ben Roethlisberger