Excuses available to Roethlisberger
Just seconds after the end of the first practice of for new Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tomlin Tuesday, the media throng was about five deep around one player, who couldn't even be clearly seen because of the depth of the crowd.
It had to be quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. When Big Ben speaks, everyone listens, especially when there would be no Tomlin availability until the conclusion of the afternoon practice.
It had been a tough morning practice, and players were eager to get off the field. But Roethlisberger was especially gracious in answering. He understands quarterbacks have a responsibility.
The subject got around to what would figure to be a harmless topic: What was it like not only to have a new head coach, but also a new offensive coordinator (Bruce Arians) and a new quarterbacks coach (Ken Anderson)? In Roethlisberger's first three seasons, he had worked under offensive coordinator Ken Whisenhunt and quarterback coach Mark Whipple.
Roethlisberger gave a good enough answer, pointing out that he works most closely with Anderson but that the offensive coordinator was the real key.
"The quarterback coach is a big deal," he said. "He's in your room all the time. But the biggest change is the coordinator. He's calling the offense. You guys are always talking about what offense you need to run and the differences. I think the coordinator change is the biggest."
On the surface, his comments were vanilla, but underneath they could be much more.
If there's one thing Roethlisberger has not been in his three seasons with the Steelers is an excuse guy. He has been the opposite -- a stand-up guy. He didn't fall back on his motorcycle accident, appendectomy or concussion as excuses for his poor season in 2006. But, by the very nature of the question, an excuse was being established for him. If he goes on to have another substandard season, the blame easily could be placed on the significant changes on the coaching staff.
It has happened before. When Kordell Stewart struggled mightily in 1998 and 1999 after a highly promising first season as a starter in 1997, apologists suggested coaching changes were the reason. In his first three seasons with the Steelers (1995-97), Stewart knew only one offensive coordinator, Chan Gailey. But, when Gailey became coach in Dallas, he was replaced by Ray Sherman. When Sherman proved wholly inadequate, he was replaced by Kevin Gilbride in 1999. Poor Kordell: How could he be expected to be effective when his primary coach was changing every year?
It's possible, Stewart would have continued to flourish if Gailey had not left, although his subsequent career indicated otherwise. Still, the revolving coordinators serve as a legitimate excuse for some.
If Roethlisberger has a second consecutive bad season, the change of coaches could be considered a factor. Arians is making noteworthy adjustments in the offense. There will be new formations, more no-huddle, and Roethlisberger will be expected to change the protection calls for his linemen for the first time.
It's a lot of new work.
Roethlisberger relishes the challenge. He was extremely optimistic and upbeat in his comments. Not even when he was asked about his 23 interceptions a year ago did he show annoyance.
"Is that how many I had?" he said with a smile. "I don't even know my stats. Thanks for reminding me. I'll remember that. I'm fine. I'm happy. I'm glad to be here. I'm glad to see you guys. Glad to talk to you guys and be reminded how many interceptions I threw last year."
But the season left an impression, a deep one. When he was asked to whom he had to prove himself, he made a startling revelation.
"I have to prove to myself. You can say all you want that you have to prove it to the fans and the media. I'm just trying to prove to myself that I can do it and my career's not over and last year was a fluke."
Imagine that! It has at least crossed Roethlisberger's mind that his career could be in jeopardy.
That's a good thing. It shows a level of maturity that hasn't always been there. It shows he was humbled by throwing five more interceptions than touchdowns, a considerable downturn from his first two years when he threw 34 touchdowns and 20 interceptions.
Most of all, it shows he takes his role as not only the quarterback but also a leader on this team seriously.
No one should have to make excuses for Roethlisberger in 2007. But if they do ... plausible ones are there for the taking.