Pittsburgh Steelers: Ben Roethlisberger likes being the hunter
By Matt Shetler
A lot has happened over the course of the past couple of seasons for the Pittsburgh Steelers.
They have gone from the dominant team in the AFC North, to almost an afterthought to some as many around the league have already anointed the Cincinnati Bengals the class of the division. Those same people have also pretty much concluded that the Baltimore Ravens will be right up there with the Bengals and that the Cleveland Browns are a team on the rise.
Dec 30, 2012; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) throws a pass against the Cleveland Browns during the second half of the game at Heinz Field. The Steelers won the game, 24-10. Mandatory Credit: Jason Bridge-USA TODAY Sports
But what about the Steelers?
If you ask Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger that question, he’s completely happy with his team being overlooked, as for a change the Steelers can be the hunter instead of the hunted, a role that Big Ben would welcome for a change.
"“Good. Go ahead. I guess it depends on who you ask and that is fine,” Roethlisberger said, via SportsRadioInterviews.com “I’m with people saying that we’re going to be terrible and, ‘Let’s overlook them,’ because that means our opponents are doing the same thing. I like that. I like being the hunter. It’s kind of a fun place to be. I’m OK with that.”"
You can see why many people are already counting the Steelers out.
They are coming off of a disappointing 8-8 season in 2012 and have lost key components in Mike Wallace, Keenan Lewis, James Harrison and others, while doing very little to make substantial improvements due to salary cap issues.
However, maybe that’s exactly what the Steelers need.
Maybe not having the bullseye on their chest this season will be all the motivation they need.
One thing is for sure though and that’s the fact that you can count Roethlisberger as one who will relish the role of hunter for a change.