Mike Tomlin: Ben Roethlisberger Could Play Better

Nov 30, 2014; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) throws a pass against the New Orleans Saints during the second half at Heinz Field. The Saints won the game, 35-32. Mandatory Credit: Jason Bridge-USA TODAY Sports

Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said QB Ben Roethlisberger, along with the rest of the team, could play better than they have in the last two weeks.

Ben Roethlisberger set an NFL record when he threw six touchdowns in back-to-back games for the Pittsburgh Steelers, but this a ‘what have you done for me lately’ league and lately he’s been closer to an average QB than the record-setter he was just a month ago. Head coach Mike Tomlin knows the team’s recent struggles aren’t all on Big Ben, but he still wants better play from Pittsburgh’s most important player.

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“He hasn’t been as accurate as he had been,” Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said per ESPN. “Some of it is due to pressure created in the pocket. Some it is due to game circumstances. Some we are lacking a little cohesion. [Roethlisberger] could play better. We all could play better. We’re looking forward to doing it this week.”

So why is Ben struggling? It could have at least partly stemmed from a hand injury Ben suffered, but never examined in the team’s home loss to the New Orleans Saints. Such an ailment could have affected Roethlisberger’s technique.

“When you’re looking at accuracy or inaccuracy obviously mechanics are the first place that you look,” Tomlin said. “But sometimes outside forces can affect mechanics. There were certain instances, particularly at early stages of the game on Sunday, where he was high on some throws, he couldn’t step into the throw, the pocket was collapsing on him a little bit and it didn’t allow him to have the proper throwing mechanics.”

Whatever the reason for Ben’s struggles, the Steelers need them fixed quickly as they stand in the thick of the AFC playoff picture in need of a big final run. They’ll have several chances to gain ground in the final stretch as they play the AFC North-leading Cincinnati Bengals twice.

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