A lot of people were wondering how Ben Roethlisberger would take to having a new coordinator and his relationship with Matt Canada is off to a promising start. Then again, Roethlisberger had worked with Canada last season when Canada was the quarterbacks coach.
But how will Roethlisberger get along with an unfamiliar quarterbacks coach? Mike Sullivan is certainly a notable Pittsburgh name but this Sully has spent his last 20 years coaching in the NFL, serving as either QB coach or Offensive Coordinator with the Giants, Buccaneers and Broncos.
That’s not a bad resume; still, you have to wonder what Sullivan can teach a veteran quarterback, now in his 18th season.
But “Coach Sully,” as Ben calls him, says Ben has not only been cooperative but also enthusiastic. “It’s been easy from the standpoint that his attitude is that he knows there are things that are new, things that he wants to master and he’s been focused on that,” Sullivan says.
“He has put in a great amount of time behind the scenes,” Sullivan adds, “particularly with the one on one meetings he and I have had, the meetings with the quarterback group and these walk-throughs. It’s pretty impressive a guy that’s 18 years in, future Hall of Famer, that’s he’s getting upset he didn’t get the snap point exactly right under center with the fast motions.”
“Really pleased with the progress he has made,” Sullivan concludes.
Of course, the other part of the quarterback coach’s job is to work with the younger QBs, Mason Rudolph and Dwayne Haskins, to make sure they’d be ready in case of emergency. You know, like two years ago.
“Each of them has inherent strengths and weaknesses,” Sullivan explains, “and that would be on us as coaches that if they were called upon – and there’s not a team in the NFL that wants their 2nd, 3rd or 4th QB to be called upon so we’re knocking on wood. But we want to be smart about what we ask them to do, play to their strengths, minimize and camouflage any of their weaknesses.”
“Both men have worked extremely hard and have put the time in and have a great attitude so we have confidence in both of those young men,” he continues.
In the end, whether it’s working with inexperienced quarterbacks or the future Hall of Famer, Sullivan says his main job is make sure of them are comfortable with Canada’s offense. “It’s just trying to coordinate their footwork and the timing but really the timing and awareness,” Sullivan explains. “Find ways to keep guys centered and balanced. It’s a cliché but it’s true - one play at a time and be at your best when your best is needed.”