STEELERS Roethlisberger 'something special' in first season
The first-round draft pick has proven to be a playmaker.
PITTSBURGH (AP) -- Ben Roethlisberger began training camp as the Pittsburgh Steelers' fourth-string quarterback.
He might finish the season as the NFL's Rookie of the Year.
"You've got to give credit to the kid," said Steelers wide receiver Hines Ward. "He's getting better every week."
In fact, Roethlisberger, 22, has risen to second in the AFC in passer rating (100.1), behind only Indianapolis' Peyton Manning (144.1).
Roethlisberger was forced into action Sept. 19, when starter Tommy Maddox sustained an injured elbow early in the second half of a 30-13 loss at Baltimore. Veteran backup Charlie Batch had suffered a season-ending knee injury during camp, and Roethlisberger quickly moved ahead of 2003 fifth-round pick Brian St. Pierre to assume the backup role behind Maddox.
Matching Simms
After finishing the Baltimore game with two touchdowns and two interceptions, the 6-foot-5, 241-pound Roethlisberger has fashioned a 4-0 record as a starter, tying ex-New York Giants quarterback Phil Simms for the second-best winning streak to begin a career since the NFL merger in 1970.
Ex-Steeler Mike Kruczek holds the record. He won his first six games in place of injured starter Terry Bradshaw in 1976, but Kruczek handed off a lot and relied on a stellar defense that posted five shutouts in the final eight games.
Roethlisberger, on the other hand, has proven to be a playmaker. Twice, he has led the Steelers (5-1) from behind in the fourth quarter to win. The 22-year-old rallied Pittsburgh from a 20-10, fourth-quarter deficit on Sunday at Dallas. He completed 21-of-25 passes for 193 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions in the 24-20 victory.
The mobile Roethlisberger also left behind a string of frustrated Cowboys pass rushers.
"That young quarterback is something special," Cowboys defensive end Greg Ellis said. "He's going to be one of those $100 million-something quarterbacks someday soon."
Bonuses available
Roethlisberger might be a $40 million quarterback if he reaches all the bonuses on the six-year deal he signed after the Steelers drafted him with the 11th pick of the first round. It came with a team-record $9 million signing bonus.
It was the first time the Steelers took a quarterback in the first round since they drafted Mark Malone in 1980.
Overall, Roethlisberger has completed 78-of-113 pass attempts for 937 yards, seven touchdowns and four interceptions. His completion percentage of 69.0 ranks second in the AFC to the New York Jets' Chad Pennington (70.4).
"I have confidence in our guys," Roethlisberger said, "and they have confidence in each other."
The Steelers still do not know the extent of right knee injuries to nose tackle Casey Hampton and cornerback Chad Scott, both of whom were injured Sunday. It's possible both could be out for the season, coach Bill Cowher said after the game.