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**Professor** · 05-07-2006, 08:13 PM

http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pitt.../s_451069.html

Big Ben not satisfied

By Joe Starkey
TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Sunday, May 7, 2006

Despite becoming the youngest quarterback to win a Super Bowl, Ben Roethlisberger apparently went into the offseason with a bit of a chip on his shoulder pads.

That became evident earlier this week, when I asked Steelers offensive coordinator Ken Whisenhunt if Roethlisberger was upset with his sub-par Super Bowl performance.

"You know, Ben is a very, very strong competitor, and he wants to play well," Whisenhunt said. "He was very happy that we won the football game. He was not happy with the way he played. I'm certain that drives him a little bit in the offseason.

"Historically, when he's not played his best, he's played very well the next game. I think the same could be said a little bit about the way he's preparing for this season."

Here's one reason the Steelers could be better next season, even if they are not as good on paper today as they were in February: Roethlisberger is one of several talented young players (Heath Miller, Willie Parker, Ike Taylor, Max Starks, etc.) who figure to build on their early success. None is near his prime.

Meanwhile:

# Steelers rookie Santonio Holmes won't be hurt too badly by missing 14 team workouts. The rule keeping him away, however, is ridiculous. As per a 12-year-old NFL agreement with the NCAA, Holmes is forbidden from using the Steelers' workout facility -- aside from a three-day minicamp -- until his class at Ohio State graduates in mid-June.

Holmes won't be participating in the graduation ceremony, of course. He left school after his junior season to pursue his life's work. Yet, he'll be among the small group of rookies around the league held back by this rule.

Many players leave school before February to prepare for the draft. Why should they be penalized once they're drafted? This is America, right? It's called freedom of choice.

If the league is so concerned about academics, it must feel terrible about holding its annual scouting combine for a week in February. Truth is, this rule is about the NFL throwing a bone to the NCAA, which continues to serve as a free minor-league system.

coldarmy20 · 05-08-2006, 03:04 PM

OKay its good he is inspired to improve more.. i saw the thread title and I was like "What?! Super bowl champ in his second year.. not satisfied?!"

13MAC13 · 05-08-2006, 03:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by coldarmy20

OKay its good he is inspired to improve more.. i saw the thread title and I was like "What?! Super bowl champ in his second year.. not satisfied?!"

I thought it was gonna be about his contract...Nothing wrong with wanting to play better.

PoppaPoe33 · 05-08-2006, 09:00 PM

Just a quarterback trying to get their guys off the little cloud they've been floating on. Last season was great, but it's time to work on this upcoming season, so I'm glad to hear him say stuff like that instead of thinking he's got nothing else to prove.

**stormdriver** · 05-09-2006, 02:40 PM

I respect him for realizing there's room to improve, but I fully believe he will not see another Super Bowl.

**Professor** · 05-09-2006, 04:25 PM

I think that last year's team got hot at the right time and had some great luck in the playoffs, this year's team is not as good as last year's team, and I don't expect them to be back in the SB this year.

BigOrangenation33 · 05-09-2006, 08:22 PM

i love it...its good to see someone like that...even though hes already led his team to a superbowl after 2 years in the NFL...hes focused and ready to improve his play....i agree i dont plan on seein them in the superbowl again this year....this is kinda off subject but i love their pick in the draft...Holmes WR from Ohio State..a lot like randel el, i think he will fit in great...