Ben Roethlisberger and Terry Bradshaw have both won multiple Super Bowls. Bradshaw is a Hall of Famer, Roethlisberger’s career is headed in that direction.

They have both established themselves among the all-time Steeler greats.

That’s where the similarities come to a screeching halt.

I grew up following Bradshaw’s career in the 70’s. Bradshaw was a good ol’ boy. He spent his offseasons on his ranch, tending to his cattle.

I never worried about Terry getting himself into trouble. I wondered when he might show up in another one of those Burt Reynolds’ movies, or if he would be appearing on the next episode of Hee Haw.

Bradshaw was thought of as sort of a country bumpkin. His intelligence was often questioned, but never his character.

Roethlisberger? That’s a different story.

“Big Ben” has often been reckless. Sometimes he appears to lack common sense. He has been accused of sexual assault twice in less than a year.

His careless actions are a black eye on a proud organization. The Rooneys are extremely upset and disappointed in Roethlisberger’s behavior.

Another incident of this magnitude could be Roethlisberger’s last as a Steeler.

Early in his career, fans tried to run Bradshaw out of town. Now it appears Roethlisberger is running himself out of town.

Lately, it’s becoming increasingly difficult for me to put on my Roethlisberger jersey and go out into public.

Maybe it’s time to dust off ol’ number “12.”

Read more Pittsburgh Steelers news on BleacherReport.com

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By KATE BRUMBACK Associated Press Writer

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What a difference a year makes.

It was only one year ago that many of us members of Steeler Nation were proclaiming that the Steelers were a dynasty in the making. We talked about how great the team was, and even though there were areas that needed to be addressed, we were still the best team ever.

Now that we have gone from Super Bowl champions to not making the playoffs, everyone is quick to point out all of the problems the Steelers are having.

So what really happened?

Ben Roethlisberger will return for his seventh season, and regardless of us believing in his innocence or guilt—as we perceive it—Ben is innocent until proved guilty. Ben will be under center for years to come.

At running back, Steeler Nation should be even more confident than it was at this time last year. There is no more talk about whether or not Willie Parker has anything left in the tank—and no one is wondering whether Rashard Mendenhall has earned the top of the depth chart.

There is a question as to who is going to be Mendenhall’s backup—but it is a lot nicer to be worrying about who the backup is as opposed to who the starter is.

The Steelers are still set at receiver—again, there is less concern here, because instead of worrying about Limas Sweed, we know Mike Wallace has the speed and field- stretching ability.

Not only that, Antwaan Randle El’s return brings experience in case of injury to Hines Ward.

Heath Miller has been re-signed. Sean McHugh will be back from injury. Matt Spaeth was tendered, so he will be back, and David Johnson enters his second season.

As for the offensive line, at least I can say that the unit will return intact from the unit that started last year.

Sure, it is not an All-Pro unit, but the linemen are young and hungry—and more than likely, they will have another addition through an early draft pick.

As for the defense, that ancient line has an infusion with the first-round addition of Ziggy Hood. The Steelers have also added Sonny Harris—who, even though he is not ready to step in and contribute immediately, is tomorrow’s Aaron Smith.

The biggest issue with last year was that many people believed that the Steelers made a mistake by releasing Larry Foote and keeping James Farrior. From the rumor on profootballtalk.com, Foote has left Arizona without a contract, and he will be in Pittsburgh on Monday to rejoin the team.

LaMarr Woodley has become a force on one side comparable to James Harrison on the other, and Lawrence Timmons has taken strides to make sure that whoever is the other ILB will be the No. 2.

Yes, I have to admit that there are still concerns with the Steelers corners, but as the Steelers go, they normally know what they were doing.

Last year, they drafted Keenan Lewis and Joe Burnett in the third and fifth round, respectively. No, neither one of them contributed very much last year. However, that is par for the course for the Steelers drafting players and giving them a year to watch from the sidelines before throwing them into the fire.

Last year at this time, we were all afraid that Ryan Clark would be done in Pittsburgh. Not only did the Steelers re-sign him, but they also brought in depth with Will Allen. 

As for special teams, Jeff Reed is back under the franchise tag, and Daniel Sepulveda will return under his tender. The Steelers also found Stefan Logan, who is a danger any time he gets his hands on the ball.

The biggest downside, in my opinion, is the return of Bruce Arians, but as Art Rooney has stated, the Steelers will be committed to running the ball better—which probably means that they will be running the ball more.

Anyway you choose to look at this, it is your opinion. You can say that this Steelers team is only one year removed from winning its NFL record sixth Super Bowl championship, or you can say that they lost to easy teams last year when they should have won.

Those of you who want to look at the negative, feel free. But there is one thing I am certain of: The sky is not falling in Pittsburgh.

Read more Pittsburgh Steelers news on BleacherReport.com

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ATLANTA – An attorney for Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger has hired a private investigator to look into a sexual assault allegation made by a 20-year-old Georgia college student.

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Pittsburgh has approached free agency as it has in the past. There has not nor will there be any major signings, and those who overpriced themselves on their own team were allowed to enter the market as free agents.

Actually, only one player really overpriced himself and that was free safety Ryan Clark. They wanted to sign him, but his idea of what he was worth and their willingness to pay were not anywhere near each other.

They already are paying Troy Polamalu an average of $6.5 million a year with his cap number over $8 million in 2010 and they are not about to sink more than $6 million into their other safety.

They signed five-time Pro Bowl nose tackle Casey Hampton and put the franchise tag on Jeff Reed.

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An attorney for Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger has hired a private investigator to look into a sexual assault allegation made by a 20-year-old Georgia college student. Police in the college town of Milledgeville continue to investigate, but have released little information since the accusation was made a week ago.

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There are guys who look good, whose names are respected, and who have fine reputations. These are the intangibles that most fans think of when deciding what players they admire.

Then there are the scouts. They have statistics that most fans can’t find anywhere and truly tell the real story. When making transactions teams don’t ask the fans for advice, and fans hope that their teams scouts know what the hell they’re doing.

The Offensive Line is one of the hardest areas for the average fan to evaluate. First of all the camera follows the ball and rarely do the fans concentrate on the lineman unless they are pointed out on replay.

Secondly there are fans who just don’t care.

Draft an offensive lineman in the draft?

“Hell no, that’s boring. You can get them later in the draft. We want a playmaker.”

For years the Pittsburgh Steelers had a great Line made up of mostly first day picks. Names like Alan Faneca, Kendall Simmons, Marvel Smith, and Jeff Hartings.

Now, well, they don’t have much.

The Pittsburgh Steelers offensive line breakdown is as follows:

Among the 32 teams in the NFL, their Offensive ranked No. 26 in run blocking and No. 17 in pass blocking. Compare that to the offensive lines in their division:

Baltimore ranked No. 6 and No. 2.

Cincinnati ranked No. 8 and No. 6.

And even Cleveland ranked No. 9 and No. 11.

For the Steelers to get back to the playoffs, they have to do a lot better

I will admit though, the below Stats are quite eye openers. I warn you ahead of time.

We start with Willie Colon at right tackle. He’s the good news and that’s putting it mildly. He graded out as the third best offensive tackle in the NFL. Colon ranked No. 1 as a pass blocker followed by Joe Thomas and Jake Long. As a run blocker, he was average.

While Colon was charged with giving up six QB sacks last year, he was on the field for over 1,000 snaps. That’s far above the league average. He also had Big Ben rolling out just behind him, which made holding his blocks even tougher. As mentioned, his Run Blocking was average which means for a Steeler OL, he was excellent

In contrast, we have Max Starks on the left side. He gave up nine sacks, but think about it. With Ben rolling to his right, a defensive right end has to run around Starks massive frame and then completely cross the field to even reach the quarterback. He was also among the leaders in holding penalties which cost this team additional yardage. His run blocking was not much better. His ranking among OT’s in the league? No. 25.

The real problems came inside

Justin Hartwig was ranked dead last, No. 32 overall of all starting centers in the league. He was equally bad in both categories, ranking No. 30 in run blocking and No. 31 in pass blocking. He also gave up more sacks then their two guards combined.

You thought Sean Mahan was bad? Hartwig might be bigger and stronger to the naked eye, but that’s where it ends.

At Left Guard we have Chris Kemoeatu who overall got a league ranking of No. 50. Although having great strength, he was among the worst run blocking guards in the league. Pass blocking? He gave up four QB sacks. Despite his size he’s always been better in pass protection than run blocking

Then we have Trai Essex at right guard. Talk about extremes. He graded out as the worst overall starting OG in the league at No. 64. He was horrible in every category from Run Blocking to penalties but surprising was only charged giving up only one sack. That was surprising because he was dead last in QB Pressures.

When Ben managed to get rid of the ball on his way down to the ground, it was mostly Essex that got off the hook.

Ramon Foster?

Believe me you don’t want to know where he ranked even as a backup.

So what do we know?

Hartwig and Essex ranked dead last in the NFL at their respected positions.

Kemo is a better pass blocker than he is a run blocker.

Starks is a bit of a joke at left tackle. 

And Willie Colon is a hell of a lot better than any Steelers fan can imagine.

So next time a fan suggests getting a stud like Maurkice Pouncey in round one, don’t be so quick to say he’s a “reach.”

The real “reaches” are the Steelers starters at both center and guard.

 

Read more Pittsburgh Steelers news on BleacherReport.com

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Pittsburgh Steeler quarterback and two-time Super Bowl champion Ben Roethlisberger is facing his second sexual assault allegation after an incident at a Georgia nightclub last Friday. Is this alarming pattern of behavior a function of Roethlisberger’s immorality, or simply a product of gold-digging floozies preying on Big Ben’s fame?

Uh oh.

Did the two-time Super Bowl champion go and give somebody the “ring finger” without their consent?

Maybe, maybe not.

But something, or someone, went down that night, and hopefully, the court system will render justice. Details, like Roethlisberger’s bar-going history, and his accuser’s believability, are sketchy.

One thing is for sure—if the case goes to trial, Roethlisberger’s legal fate lies in a word he seems to not fully understand…consent.

Roethlisberger allegedly sexually assaulted a 20-year-old college student at a nightclub in the party mecca of Milledgeville, Georgia. Did Roethlisberger take advantage of a star-struck, nubile college chick, a young lady who was eager to “go pro?”

Or did she take advantage of him , using her charm and good looks to lure an easy mark into a compromising position, where the lines of consent can be easily misread and cashed in to pay off school loans?

Or, did a simple misunderstanding of the word “matriculate” transform an innocent encounter into an alcohol-fueled romp where “yes” and “no” had dual meanings? In other words, did Roethlisberger “Ben Her,” or did she “call an audible” just a smidgen too late? Was his quarterback “sneak” turned back by a “goal line” stand?

Either way, they both got more than they bargained for. And, as a second harassment claim would seemingly attest, Roethlisberger is developing a reputation as a “bargain hunter.”

On the football field, Roethlisberger is known for his quick decision-making. Sure, when he’s being pursued by 300-pound defensive lineman, Big Ben’s critical thinking skills are top notch. However, in a bar, with too much alcohol clouding his judgment and his libido, he handles “pocket pressure” in a completely different manner.

While it will be hard for authorities to ascertain fact from fiction in a case like this, this much we know is true: this is most talked-about incident of an unwanted sexual advance in Georgia since Ned Beatty was violated in Deliverance .

Unlike Roethlisberger, Beatty never put himself in such a situation again. And, unlike Beatty, Roethlisberger doesn’t have Burt Reynolds to get him out of his predicament.

It would be easy to paint a picture of Roethlisberger as guilty because this is the second such accusation against him. And I’m sure that’s what his accuser’s attorney will attempt to do, probably in civil court after criminal charges fail to stick. And it’s certain the photo of a drunken Roethlisberger in a “Drink Like A Champ” t-shirt, posing with a young lady will, like Big Ben, be making a court appearance.

Roethlisberger may be a “habitual idiot,” but that doesn’t make him a “habitual offender.”

Not yet at least.

Committing two legal acts does not constitute a habit. Committing two illegal acts? That’s not quite a habit, but is dangerously close.

Committing two illegal acts under nearly identical circumstances ? You might as well assume it will happen again, which is the very definition of a habit.

That’s assuming Roethlisberger did, or has done, anything illegal on the two occasions in which women have accused him of inappropriate behavior.

Remember, Roethlisberger has probably experienced thousands of interactions with women, in bars or elsewhere, in which one or both parties where under the influence of alcohol. Of those, only two have led to legal situations. That would give him one heck of a quarterback rating, and maybe lead one to believe that he just happened to come in contact with two women, who, for whatever reason, saw a chance, to cry foul.

Or, quite possibly, Roethlisberger, in these thousands of interactions, has mistreated or offended in some way more than two of the women, and only two have come forward to point out wrong-doing.

Maybe Roethlisberger is a deviant, and fame, money, and recognition have distorted his morals to the point that he feels he has the right to treat these women as he pleases.

Chivalry may be dead, but douchebaggery is alive and well.

Being guilty of sin is one thing; being guilty as sin is another.

Of course, Roethlisberger has yet to be convicted of anything, not in this case, nor in the 2008 assault case. I’m not sure if that statement in itself is more of an exoneration of Roethlisberger, or a condemnation.

But guilty or not, it can’t look good in a biography, and it can’t look good for sales of Roethlisberger’s No. 7 jersey.

No. 7 doesn’t seem to be a lucky number for NFL quarterbacks these days.

Michael Vick went down for mistreating dogs. Now, Roethlisberger may soon face the repercussions of treating women like dogs.

Now, the very fact that this young lady has hired her own attorney lends a considerable amount of doubt to her case. I’m no lawyer, but since when do you need an attorney to simply accuse someone of a crime? You don’t, but it always helps to have professional guidance when navigating such an emotionally-draining, yet potentially fruitful court case.

I’m guessing her counsel’s expertise lies not in trial law, but in negotiating settlements.

Of course, Roethlisberger felt the need to hire high-powered attorney Ed Garland, who has also defended Baltimore Raven Ray Lewis against a murder charge in 2000. Garland also defended rapper T.I. against weapons charges in 2007. In the black community, that’s called “representin.’”

T.I. went to jail, so I’m guessing Roethlisberger hopes his defense can be like the prosecution in that case and beat the “rap.” Whatever the case, Big Ben’s got an attorney with rhyme and reason skills.

While hiring such a quality attorney is by no means an admission of guilt, it does seem to indicate that Roethlisberger feels he needs a top-notch barrister to extract him from this jam. And it’s apparent this will be a case in which ruining the accuser’s credibility will be the defense’s main objective, should a trial ensue.

Garland has already stated that Roethlisberger “did nothing wrong.” That sounds like a veiled statement. Roethlisberger did “something.” Whether it was wrong or not remains to be seen. Obviously, Garland’s job is to convince a jury or judge that Roethlisberger felt the accuser’s actions and words implied permission.

There’s absolutely nothing wrong with Roethlisberger’s affinity for partying and club-hopping. It’s only natural for a wealthy professional athlete to want to hang out with his less fortunate and eager-to-mooch acquaintances, who are no doubt there to ride the coattails of their famous friend.

When Big Ben goes out with his buddies, the drinks are on him, and apparently, so is the burden of proof. It looks as though Roethlisberger continues to say “bottoms up” long after the drinks are finished.

While charges have yet to be filed in the case, police in Milledgeville are still gathering evidence and interviewing witnesses. According to sources, police will soon be taking a DNA sample from Roethlisberger. That can’t be a good sign for Roethlisberger, which is ironic, because for years now he has been praised for his “fluid release.”

Whether he’s convicted or totally cleared of charges, Roethlisberger will be a “marked” man. Not on the football field, but in public, and especially in bars. Oh, he’ll still have his admirers. Heck, dogs love Michael Vick now.

But can Roethlisberger wear the stigma as a possible sexual deviant as well as he wears his eye black? Someone should tell Big Ben he’s not the chick magnet that he thinks he is, and let him know that magnets repel just as well as they attract.

If he’s not careful, he may find his exploits reported more often on TMZ than ESPN . If this type of behavior continues, Roethlisberger may soon see his fate in the hands of 12 jurors as opposed to 11 defenders.

He may feel he has done nothing wrong, and they may quite possibly be true, but it still should serve as a warning to clean up his act. Or, at the very least, be more careful with his act.

Big Ben has struck “two;” a third strike may very well spell the end for Roethlisberger.

Read more Pittsburgh Steelers news on BleacherReport.com

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Ben Roethlisberger has a lot going on these days. While most of his football peers are settling up with teams and contracts or getting their minds and bodies ready for the coming season, Big Ben is trying to get his story straight.

For the second time in the past 18 months, Roethlisberger has to respond to claims that he sexually assaulted a woman.

In the first case, no criminal charges were filed because of the actions, or lack thereof, of the alleged victim.

In this current case, the alleged victim called police immediately after the incident and apparently used a rape kit.

Roethlisberger’s first response, through his attorney, was that he, “never had sexual relations with that woman.” Sound familiar?

Then this week, as the Georgia Bureau of Investigation along with the local Milledgeville police dug deeper, his story changed—a little.

What he said was that he had “contact” with the 20-year-old college student, but said a sexual act was not consummated inside the dance club. Roethlisberger said the woman injured her head after she slipped in the bathroom.

Huh?!?

I’m a Steelers’ fan and I sincerely hope that this case is not what it seems, but as more information comes out, I’m starting to see a case of the “duck” coming on. (looks like a duck, walks like a duck, etc.)

Big Ben’s biggest problem will be perception. One claim in which the woman is not quite lucid may be easy to make go away, but the fact that this is yet another claim of sexual assault is one too many.

I’m concerned with her slip in the bathroom that caused her to injure her head and the fact that he is now making a distinction between the kind of contact he had with the alleged victim. Whenever semantics start to come into play, nothing good is on the horizon.

I’m still going to try to hold out judgment until all the facts come in, but one thing is very clear to me. Big Ben doesn’t seem to do well in the offseason when parties and women abound. He needs to hire a chaperon or what I’d like to call a “Just Say No” guy—a sort-of social designated driver. I think all professional athletes need one.

The next coming days and weeks will be critical for Roethlisberger, not only for his career, but for his life.

The real question is, what will the Steelers do?

Read more Pittsburgh Steelers news on BleacherReport.com

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All 22 starters from the 2009 season will return next year for the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Get out your sad faces Pittsburgh fans, you’re going to have to use them again come January 2011.

The Steelers used the first few days of free agency to sign an old face and bring back a familiar one. Additionally, a few fresh faces made the headlines as the team brought in role players and insurance policies.

Yes, Ryan Clark is a solid contributor at the safety position.

Admittedly, Antwaan Randle El solidifies a deep talent pool of receivers.

Will Allen and Arnaz Battle strengthen a special teams squad who set a new standard for underperforming in 2009.

But what do these signings do in terms of taking this team to the next level?

Nothing.

Yeah, most of the players on this team were part of their latest Super Bowl triumph in February 2009.

But teams get better, organizations make changes for the good, and staff adapt and further improve their strategies and game plans. Schemes evolve.

The Steelers have achieved none of the above for quite some time.

Listen, the moves the Steelers made so far have been decent. The underlying issue is, well, the Steelers have yet to figure a solution for the overall problems that resulted in a mediocre season in 2009.

The problem is not the players.

The problem is not the staff.

It is a combination of both, and with the recent free agent signings, it seems as if problem areas are not getting addressed.

 

1. The Aging Defense

Yes, you have heard it before, so why not hear it again?

Listen, everyone respects Dick Lebeau, and embraces all that he has accomplished, but what new wrinkles has he implemented on the defensive side of the ball recently? It seemed as if he over-relied on Troy Polamalu in his defensive scheme, and without him, the team became vulnerable, and LeBeau’s adjustments were mediocre.

With everyone returning, will Lebeau conjure up a solution next season to what turned out to be a significant problem?

Everyone watched the Steelers get a year older last season and struggle when it came to clutch moments. The fourth quarter became the teams enemy, whereas it used to be its stronghold.

The Steelers are yet another year older. How embarrassing will it be the second time around?

 

2. Insurance Policies on the Defensive Side

Aaron Smith went down midseason. Like 2007, he was sorely missed.

Polamalu was dinged most of last year. We all know how successful Tyrone Carter filled in. Clark was lost without Troy at his side.

Ugly.

Some will say to give Allen the chance to prove himself or that the Steelers are good at pinpointing talent when other teams don’t.

Is he better than Carter?

Honestly, how good do you have to be to perform better than Carter?

Don’t be too excited to find out.

Discounting LaMarr Woodley and Lawrence Timmons, the average age of the defensive front seven is 32.4 years old.

By the time the season rolls around, it will average 33.2.

That’s old.

Now that doesn’t say Casey Hampton, Brett Keisel, Aaron Smith, James Farrior, and James Harrison all don’t have qualities that describe defensive excellence, it only shows a number that carries a load of baggage.

Endurance and injury questions are stapled onto an aging player. The Steelers have a solid collection of these players.

In 2010, who is to say these questions won’t arise again?

The defensive substitutions, currently, have talent.

But can they fill the role and performance of a starter if one goes down? Well, some had their chance last year, and fans formulated the answer to the question.

The Steelers have no effective backup plan should Polamalu go down.

Ryan Clark is most effective with Polamalu in the lineup. Clark is nothing without Polamalu.

Will Allen, for the most part, is untested as a safety.

Steeler fans should worry if he is tested.

And what about William Gay? Do they expect to find someone in the upcoming draft to surprise everyone and be the likes of Roethlisberger, Miller, Wallace, and Polamalu by being an impact during a rookie campaign?

Honestly, Gay is horrible. The majority agrees. The minority is simply unintelligent.

Of all the 22 starters returning next season, Gay is at the bottom of the barrel. Replace him or become exposed once again.

And do the Steelers have talented young players that can challenge Gay in training camp this year? Will the draft provide additional competition?

Joe Burnett, Keenan Lewis, Anthony Madison, and Trae Williams; do any of those names represent a budding star in the making?

Mike Tomlin assured roster changes would be made when the team suffered through its losing stretch, but Gay remained a constant. Why?

Because there just wasn’t a better option.

 

3. Bruce Arians’ Scheme

Listen, the passing game was great last season. Statistically speaking.

But the overall scheme had fans frustrated at times.

Sure, Rashard Mendenhall ran for over 1,100 yards, with a solid average to boot.

The problem was when it was time to run the ball, Arians chose to rely on Ben Roethlisberger. Sure, Ben is a solid quarterback, but the chances he takes sometimes overtakes the reward, especially in fourth quarter situations.

When Arians chose to employ a pass-happy game plan against the Cleveland Browns towards the end of the season last year, it left many fans wondering.

What the hell was he thinking?

It was raining. It was windy. The Browns, with one win the entire season, absolutely stunk as a run defense.

Ben threw 32 times, while Mendenhall and Willy Parker carried a combine 19 times.

Fans vomited then, and they still regurgitate now.

And that’s what Arians is made of.

For the majority, it is pass first, run second. No matter the score, no matter the conditions.

Sure, Ben threw for over 4,000 yards. Sure, Hines Ward and Santonio Holmes each had 1,000 yards receiving.

All of that production for 12th in the league in scoring average.

Bottom line is, the Steelers look as if the pass-happy trend will continue next season. The signing of Randle El confirms the belief.

Going back to the power running game? Yeah, that is what the organization said they want to do, but is that what Arians, Roethlisberger, and a plethora of wide receivers plan on executing?

These questions are only a few of many for Pittsburgh fans, and this article hasn’t even mentioned the current Roethlisberger situation.

Anyone can win a Super Bowl while still having weaknesses as a whole. A prime example is of the Steelers latest Super Bowl, a team that had its flaws but made it all the way to the top anyway.

Agreed, it can be done again, but rest assured, if these problems are not addressed, Steeler fans will be watching football that isn’t showcasing a sea of black and gold come February 2011.

Read more Pittsburgh Steelers news on BleacherReport.com