BEN ROETHLISBERGER Rookie targets backup QB role

The Steelers' top draft pick earned praise for his first exhibition efforts.
LATROBE, Pa. (AP) -- During Tommy Maddox's rookie season with the Denver Broncos, starting quarterback John Elway made it a point not to comment on the progress of the first-round pick.
"That's one thing I learned from him," said Maddox, who refuses to comment on the development of his backup, Pittsburgh Steelers' first-round pick Ben Roethlisberger.
There are plenty of people, though, who will talk about the prized Steelers rookie after Roethlisberger completed 8 of 13 passes for 84 yards and a touchdown in the Steelers' 27-21 loss to the Detroit Lions on Saturday.
"He was very poised," offensive coordinator Ken Whisenhunt said. "As we progress into the preseason, things will get a little quicker, some of the first-team guys will be playing a little bit longer, things will be moving around a little bit quicker, but for his first game in that environment, I thought he performed well."
Roethlisberger said he expected to be more nervous, but on his first attempt he rolled right, avoided the rush, and completed a 15-yard pass to tight end Jay Riemersma.
Touchdown toss
On his second series, Roethlisberger threw a 7-yard touchdown pass to Antwaan Randle El.
"I was surprisingly calm," Roethlisberger said. "I didn't have any butterflies at all. I think that is a good sign."
The performance enhanced Roethlisberger's status as Maddox's primary backup.
After the game, Coach Bill Cowher said he wouldn't seek a replacement for veteran Charlie Batch, who was placed on injured reserve Friday, meaning Roethlisberger is an injury away from becoming the starter.
"You don't want to wish anything like that on somebody," Roethlisberger said. "But you have to be prepared for anything and I am going to do everything I can to be mentally and physically ready."
Progressing well
Whisenhunt believes the rookie is close.
"He's just got to continue to see his reads and get his throws out a little bit quicker in certain situations, but overall he's really progressing well," Whisenhunt said.
Roethlisberger wasn't the only Steelers rookie to perform well Saturday. Second-round pick Ricardo Colclough, a cornerback, made three tackles, broke up a pass, had 131 yards on four punt returns and two kickoff returns, made one special teams tackle and recovered a fumble.
"After playing the game, my confidence level just skyrocketed," Colclough said. "It was just sort of getting out there and trying to get the feel of everything and sort of compare myself to the other guys. Once I did that, I held my own."
Third-round pick Max Starks struggled in his first series and a half at right tackle.
"It wasn't one of my better games, but it was a starting point," Starks said. "It was a solid first game for me."
Line coach Russ Grimm said, "He did OK in the game. His technique work is getting better and I love his attitude. He works. He's going to be a good football player. He's not there yet, but he's working at it."