As Ben Roethlisberger was reporting for duty yesterday, a picture of him in a t-shirt that said “Different” was captured and shared on the Steelers social media account.
The photo instantly went viral, not only because it was Big Ben, but because of recent reports that Ben was on a Tom Brady-like diet, had slimmed down and gotten himself into his best physical shape.
Upon viewing the photo…many disagreed.
NFL Network analyst Brian Billick faced Roethlisberger from 2005-07 as the head coach of the Baltimore Ravens. He joined The Fan Morning Show Thursday and said that the shape Ben is in doesn’t impact his game as much as we might think.
“It’s more dependent on the five guys in front of him with the transition they’re going through along the offensive line, that’s really the key.
I mean Ben is such, and has been, such a unique talent in the way that he delivers. I don’t know that you can put the normal calibration of, ‘Well, he’s big or he’s small, he’s slow or he’s old.’ I mean for some quarterbacks and some positions clearly, ‘Well, the guy’s getting old in the tubes or he’s not quite as fast.’ For Ben, he’s so unorthodox in the way he produces, there’s no reason to think he can’t continue to do that.
But for me, the biggest question mark beyond the addition of Najee Harris and the running game that obviously has to be better is what’s going to go on with that front five on that offensive line.”
Billick seemed to approve of the Steelers signing both guard Trai Turner and linebacker Melvin Ingram formerly of the Chargers, saying there could be a big pay off in-store for the Steelers.
“If they are healthy, both are outstanding players. Melvin Ingram can be that counter balance to TJ Watt that is so important to the Steelers style of play. I mean, [that’s] everybody’s style of play. You want to get pressure on the outside, one side and the other so you can’t constantly turn your protections to solely account for TJ Watt.
If Melvin Ingram is healthy, and you go one-on-one with him, you’re going to pay a price.”