Pittsburgh Steelers: Roethlisberger in Walking Boot After Loss to Texans
By Matt Shetler
Much can be made from the Pittsburgh Steelers recent loss.
Sure opposing offenses can fit trucks through the holes they are creating by blowing the Steelers front seven off the ball. Sure the Steelers defense hasn’t made one big game changing play in four weeks. I could keep going but you really get the point.
All of the Steelers problems seem moot compared to one big one. The Steelers offensive line is lousy.
Actually that is being really kind to them but I want to keep this G rated.
The facts are this. They can’t run block and they can’t pass protect. The later could have potentially cost them their franchise.
Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger was wearing a walking boot on his foot after Sunday’s 17-10 loss and quite frankly after the beating he took, they are probably lucky that’s all he’s wearing.
I wonder if Mike Tomlin will still say he’s happy with the guys currently on the roster or if he will look outside the organization for slight upgrades.
Roethlisberger was sacked five times and hit eight others, yet displayed great toughness in trying to rally the Steelers to victory. Don’t think that didn’t get noticed. A majority of the signal callers in the league wouldn’t have finished the game. You can bet on that.
The notion that Roethlisberger milks injuries is perhaps one of the most ludicrous things I personally have heard. Those who have that opinion, I personally challenge you to take that type of beating from an NFL caliber defense. I’m sure you will be a little more than banged up.
Can he be a bit of a drama queen? Perhaps, but regardless he’s one of the toughest competitors in the game. He shouldn’t have to get his butt kicked every time he takes the field.
Perhaps one day the Steelers will have a pair of NFL caliber tackles to protect their quarterback.
As far as him being in a boot after Sunday’s game, it’s too early to tell before a MRI. The boot is likely a precautionary measure that would be taken by the training staff with any player. He was quoted as saying he may not be able to go next week.
If Roethlisberger’s foot is fine, it’s likely only a matter of time before something else gets hurt with the amount of hits he’s taking.
Like him or not, the Steelers aren’t half the team they are with Roethlisberger if he is wearing street clothes on Sunday. No one wants to see Charlie Batch or Dennis Dixon under center. Especially with the lack of protection they have given their quarterback to date.
The season is a quarter of the way through and the Steelers have major issues. The offensive line has to find a way to come together and quickly.
You are going to lose a lot more than you win with the lack of production from the Steelers offensive line and by losing, I’m not talking just about football games.
Follow City of Champions Sports on Twitter