Ben Roethlisberger says Pittsburgh offensive line must get nasty

Sep 22, 2013; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Chicago Bears defensive end Corey Wootton (98) sacks Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) during the second half at Heinz Field. The Bears won the game, 40-23. Mandatory Credit: Jason Bridge-USA TODAY Sports /

Having been sacked 10 times in only three games, Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger challenged his offensive line on Wednesday to develop a nastier, meaner, tougher attitude. The challenge isn’t unwarranted: the Pittsburgh line has played poorly ever since losing star center Maurkice Pouncey to an ACL injury on the first day of the season, and the Steelers are only averaging 51.7 rushing yards per game.

Here are Roethlisberger’s comments:

"If you have to get a penalty because you’re going to be nasty, a holding penalty or you’re going to choke someone out on a run play … I don’t always think that’s a bad thing if you get a penalty every once in awhile because you’re playing tough and nasty compared to not getting any penalties and just playing passive. I know the O-line coach [Jack Bicknell Jr.] probably didn’t want to hear me say that but I just want them to have the confidence to go out and play the way that I know they can (ESPN)."

We’ll see if the Steelers rise to Roethlisberger’s challenge when they take on the Minnesota Vikings in London this weekend. Both teams are currently 0-3.

[Source: ESPN]

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