Big Ben’s Return: Six Things That Should Happen for Pittsburgh in the Next Six Weeks

Added on Aug 17, 2010 by Eric Galko in

NFL

It’s unheard of that a star quarterback is out for a suspension because of off the field concerns, except for the Michael Vick case. And for such a polarizing figure and “every man” that was Ben Roethlisberger, I wasn’t surprised one bit to hear Steeler fans, some of the best in the game, to call for his head.

But now that training camp has come around and Steeler fans have seen the alteratives to having Roehtlisberger in camp, they are a little more forgiving. All reports is that Big Ben has turned into a different person, but only time will tell. In the meantime, he’s out the first six weeks of the season, and the Steelers will have to move on.

What can you expect? Well, don’t expect Big Ben production, and these six other situations:

1. Dennis Dixon Speaks Up About Playing Time

The former Oregon quarterback has already come out in question of the fact that he isn’t slated as the starter now that Big Ben is out. He was the back-up for last year, but after the Big Ben suspension came down, the team traded to have their former back-up Byron Letwich back.

Dixon may have a point. Sort of like Willie Beamen from Any Given Sunday, his injury in college pushed him from possible 2^nd round quarterback of the future to longshot backup. He has the talent, and seems like he just needs the chance. While he likely won’t get it this season once again, don’t be surprised if he starts campaigning to get on the field or get shipped out.

2. Lots of Sacks for Leftwich

The past few seasons, Roethlisberger has been the target of sack artists, and last year may have been the worst and most punishing for the big yet somewhat fleet footed quarterback. The Steelers allowed 50 sacks last season, and obscene amount for a playoff contender.

While Big Ben is, obviously, a big guy and bigger than Leftwich, he actually is better at evading the rush a majority of the time. And if a more agile quarterback is getting hit to the ground an average of 3 times a game, you can expect even a few more, especially with Baltimore and Tennessee on the docket.

3. Mendenhall Getting More than Enough Carries

Again, I’ll make the point that Leftwich has experience in this offense and they will trust him more than the average back-up. However, that doesn’t mean they will go back to 30-40 attempts a game.

Rashard Mendenhall, now the unquestioned starter in Pittsburgh, has a few decent spell backs, but he’ll be expecting at least 25 carries a game. If you combine that with his constant injury history over his career, and the carries he may get may be too much for him to be healthy all season.

4. Big Ben Still Rotating in Practice

Even in pre-season, the Steelers are bracing for no Big Ben on Gameday. However, in practice, Roethlisberger is still running with the 1^st team pretty often. It makes sense, as he will need to keep that chemistry up so he can hit the ground running by Week 7.

However, in season, I don’t look for that to stop, which could be a cause for concern. I understand that you want him ready for the last nine weeks of the season, but what about the first six? If Leftwich isn’t as good as he can possibly be, the team might lose four or five games, and Big Ben and Steelers may find that way to demanding to get out of.

5. Under 20 Point Games for Steelers

The Steelers offense of the past was always a run first unit that passed just enough to win games and in the fourth quarter. However, since the addition of Big Ben, the offense has been more willing to air it out, and the Steelers have enjoyed some high scoring seasons.

But, with the loss of Santonio Holmes and a back-up quarterback, this offense could struggle for 20 points a game. The defense is good enough to hold opponents to low totals, but asking for less than 20 points for five games to start the year, that’s going to be hard to answer.

6. Big Games for Leftwich vs. Tampa Bay, Cleveland

Against Atlanta in their opening game, traveling to Tennessee, and playing the Ravens back home, they will be hard to win games. Games I am about ready to count as loses barring a spectacular showing by Leftwich and/or the running game.

However, the Steelers also battle the Bucs and Browns in those first six weeks, both of which were in the Top 7 in the NFL Draft a few months ago. The Bucs should be a little tougher because it’s in Tampa. But the Browns’ game is at Pittsburgh and after a bye week, so you can all but chalk that up as a win.