Big Ben Hopes For Big Effort Up Front Sunday
PITTSBURGH (93-7 THE FAN) -- Ben Roethlisberger is showing the same patience with the Steelers' offense he has constantly shown in the pocket, even though his team faces a tough test from the visiting Philadelphia Eagles this approaching Sunday.
"The challenge is for our linemen, in general, to protect. If we can protect, we can take advantage of our tight ends and wide receivers downfield, and in the run game, taking advantage of our guys, who are more speed guys," Roethlisberger said after practice on the South Side Wednesday. "Hopefully we can use our strength and power to move them."
Big Ben has averaged over 284 passing yards per game in his first three outings, which puts Pittsburgh, as a team, seventh overall in that category. But that's also where Philadelphia's pass defense currently ranks (206.8 yards allowed per game).
The Steelers hope the long-anticipated return of lead running back Rashard Mendenhall from an ACL injury will make that unit tougher to defend. Roethlisberger, however, isn't worried about the poor productivity of the running game without him.
"Truthfully, you just want to win the game however you can win the game," he said. "We've got to keep scoring, and scoring more. We'll bring the running game as we go."
Roethlisberger went into further detail about the Eagles' defense, and answered whether or not he expects Mendenhall to be used often in Week 5:
Podcast
Kickoff between the Steelers and Eagles is set for 1:00 Sunday at Heinz Field.
