Ben Roethlisberger’s critics are “out of proportion”

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Ben Roethlisberger is no longer in the prime of his life. This was evident before the Steelers’ promising start last season turned into a disappointing end.

But can he still play at a high level? It’s a good question.

Longtime teammate Cameron Heyward came to his quarterback’s defense throughout the offseason, citing gaps on both sides of the ball for the team’s back drop in 2020. On Tuesday, the lineman Pro Bowl defender has again objected to the idea that Big Ben won’t be good in 2021.

“I think we’re just exaggerating,” Heyward told reporters. “We went 11-0 to start the season. How many other quarterbacks did that? I think we can sit here and talk about how we lost the game last year. We lost to the Les Cleveland Browns, okay so be it. We fell in the end. We made the playoffs anyway. But I’m not here to say that my quarterback isn’t capable of it. I saw this guy win the Super Bowl on TV. I saw him day after day out of competition, and you are just frustrated. I know Ben is working. I know how much he cares about this team. . “

Heyward and Roethlisberger were present for the first day of organized team activities. The latter’s commitment, despite a few allusions to retirement in recent years, has never been called into question. That’s all he can produce in the field at 39. After missing most of 2019 with a shoulder injury, Big Ben got off to a quick start last year. He threw 22 touchdowns to just four interceptions with a 103.0 passer rating in the first nine games. Those numbers dropped to 11-6 and 83.2 over the next six contests. He was then eliminated four times in the Steelers’ loss to the Browns.

There were plenty of culprits for Pittsburgh’s downfall, including failing defense and paltry running play. Heyward noted a week ago that defensive players were “the most excited” to have the power behind Najee Harris, believing the first round would make life easier for them and Big Ben. The veteran lineman reiterated to OTAs that his QB was incorrectly downgraded.

“When I hear that he’s not a great quarterback and everyone is ready to raise other quarterbacks, I’m like ‘what did they do?’ This guy is a proven winner, but we’re ready to rule him out anyway, ”Heyward said. “All I was saying is I think having a better balance is going to make it a lot more dangerous. I know our offensive line is changing, but they are going to be better because they are learning a different system. We bring in another running back, our receivers are a year older, bring another tight end. I think all of these different things can help Ben, and I’m thrilled for him. “

All of this could also make the Steelers exciting.

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