Steelers' Arians proud of Roethlisberger's rally
Ben Roethlisberger wasn't perfect against Jacksonville, but the Steelers' quarterback still managed to make a lasting impression on offensive coordinator Bruce Arians.
"We got a winner," Arians said. "We got a franchise quarterback."
Roethlisberger's passer rating of 79.2 in Saturday night's 31-29 playoff loss to the Jaguars was his third-worst of the season and came on the heels of a perfect, 158.3 rating in his last regular-season appearance Dec. 20 at St. Louis.
Roethlisberger also threw more interceptions (three) than touchdown passes (two) for just the second time this season in the Jacksonville game (he was picked off once and didn't throw a touchdown pass Nov. 26 against Miami).
Arians appreciated the way Roethlisberger shook off a three-interception first half and rallied the Steelers from an 18-point deficit in a 19-point fourth quarter that achieved for the Steelers a 29-28 lead.
"He messed it up in the first half, and a lot of time people go in the tank, but he brought us back, made plays to win the ballgame," Arians said.
The Steelers might have won had they converted a third-and-six from their 26-yard line with 2:56 remaining.
A run around left end by Roethlisberger gained only 1 yard, and the Steelers punted.
"I should have let him throw it again, probably, instead of running it," Arians said.
The Steelers finished No. 17 in the NFL in total offense in 2007 -- third in rushing and 22nd in passing.
Their high-water mark was a No. 4 overall ranking (first rushing, 21st passing) after eight weeks.
"I think we're heading in the right direction," Arians said. "At one point in time, before a lot of variables, we were fifth after eight or 10 weeks. I think that's the style of offense we can have."
The Steelers were No. 5 in total offense (second rushing, 18th passing) after 10 weeks (nine games), before injuries to players such as running back Willie Parker and offensive tackle Marvel Smith began to mount, and before they began playing a series of games in poor weather or on a sloppy Heinz Field track.
Arians hopes the Steelers can retain guard Alan Faneca, who is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent on Feb. 29.
"He's a leader, a warrior," Arians said. "I love him."