So can we finally put the Ben Roethlisberger – Todd Haley epic World War III battle royale to bed? The answer is a resounding ‘no’ because if you know many sportswriters in Pittsburgh they won’t let it die until one or both of them are gone.
Ben Roethlisberger said in an interview with the Trib’s Alan Robinson “People blew up the hatred thing or the butting heads, there was none of that,” Roethlisberger said. “It was like any coordinator, quarterback and head coach, there’s always going to be issues. I had them with BA (Bruce Arians) and coach Whis (Ken Whisenhunt). I think they got blown up.”
There you have it. It’s what I’ve said all along. This issue was much greater in the eyes of the fans and the media than it ever was for Roethlisberger or Haley.
We can move on now right? Wrong. Because as soon as the Steelers have a loss and/or poor game by the offense, the media will again bring this issue back up. Like moths to the porch light, Yinzers will flock in droves to read all about the feud on-line and in print. As one my colleagues said on Twitter today, “Winning will equal a good relationship while losing will mean there are issues again.” A deadly accurate statement if I ever saw one.
Of course the problem for Roethlisberger is that regardless of what he says at any point during the season, it will be misconstrued or put into the wrong context. If Roethlisberger just decides to say nothing then that will signal problems as well therefore #7 should just hire a spokesperson.
By the way, Roethlisberger admitted in May when he, Maurkice Pouncey and Heath Miller met with Haley that there had been some consternation over the offense during the season but I’m sure we’ll need Rosetta Stone to translate just what he means right?
Move on people, move on!
Notes from Day Three….
*According to Mark Kaboly of the Trib, Isaac Redman looked good at running back saying he looked better than Le’Veon Bell who also was showing some good things.
*Kaboly also reported Demarcus Van Dyke had a hamstring issue and Cortez Allen was out with a wrapped knee. Neither was thought to be serious at the time.
*Saw differing opinions on punting battle. Some said Butler was clearly better than Moorman while others thought Butler was more inconsistent. Most thought Moorman’s hang time was significantly better though.
*Ike Taylor picked off Roethlisberger and a play described as ‘bad’ for both Roethlisberger and the receiver.
*Chris from Bleacher Report tweeted a few times that David Paulson got the better of both Jason Worilds and Jarvis Jones on pass routes.
*Chris also reported that Mike Golic, Jr has been a blocking dummy to this point.
*Markus Wheaton had an up and down day with some big grabs and some drops.
The first depth chart was released just moments ago and I stress major caution. This means absolutely nothing other than to create some talking points. Redman is listed as the top RB right now. Jonathan Dwyer was second. Everything else was pretty much chalk. Jarvis Jones was listed second behind Worilds and Ziggy, McLendon and Keisel were your front three.
Tomorrow is the first practice in pads so I expect plenty of information and unfortunately some injuries. Happens every year.
Marc Uhlmann writes for and co-owns www.steelcityblitz.com. Follow him on Twitter @steeldad and follow the website at @SCBlitz. He can be heard Mondays on Trib-Live Radio at 4pm ET talking Steelers.
