rare time in Steeler's history...
My adolescence and childhood consisted of watching:
- Mark Malone never being able to break mediocrity...
- David Woodley of Dolphin's fame making a stop that no one cared for in Pittsburgh...
- Bubby Brister giving 101% and inspiring everyone, yet sometimes one's best isn't enough...
- Neil O'Donell offered hope, but it was short-lived. Unfathomable passes in the biggest game in 25yrs, then a quick trip outta town for pay-day ended what finally could've been a fixture behind center...
- Mike Tomczak playing not to lose, instead of playing to win doesn't get you the Lombardi trophy...
- Kordell Stewart at times made the Steelers the best they ever were in their storied history, and the worst they ever were...
- Tommy Maddox, a glimpse of what it was like to have "the greatest show on turf" ala' St. Louis Rams. Well, just like the Rams, what looks good on highlight films doesn't translate to wins in the score column...
- Big Ben. Yes, it's been 25yrs of pain, frustration, and agony when it came to quarterback play for the Steelers. I still can't believe how things have unfolded. The NFL draft is like roulette, very random when it comes to top draft picks; particularly skilled positions (QB, RB, WR, etc'...). The Steelers front-office was very much enthralled by Phillip Rivers of NC State. However, he was taken by San Diego (traded from NY Giants, Eli Manning swap). Steelers pulled the trigger on Ben Roethlisberger from Miami of Ohio, a MAC school (other notable MAC players of recent yrs: Randy Moss, Chad Pennington, Byron Leftwich).
Big Ben is a phenomenal individual, and I don't mean his personality or athletic skills. On another team, he would potentially throw for over 4,000+ yards, 30+ TD's, and rush for 400+ yards year-in & year-out. He's that type of player, that gifted at the position. YET, he's adapted himself to what the demands of the Steelers are: ball-control; fewer, yet higher percentage & longer throws; ball protection & possession (ie. not leaving the pocket to rush w/ any pressure, hold onto it too long, forcing a throw). Not so obvious result of this type of play: a well-rested defence. Not many players, let alone QB's can do that. With his statistically prolific college career and his physical talents, it's good to know that the Steelers also have that dimension if they so desire.
