PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – "Determination, desire and love for the game."
The reasons Ben Roethlisberger gave Wednesday for what gives him confidence that he can turn it around.
The stats through four games are not pretty. It's the second worst QBR of his career. He's near the bottom among starters with four interceptions and only four touchdowns.
"I know that I can play better football," Roethlisberger said. "I believe in myself. I know no matter what is going on, I'm going to fight by butt off to get a win. If that's the way I need to lead right now, by showing these guys I am going to do everything I can to win a football game. Then I will keep doing that."
Even with the loss, Roethlisberger pointed out some positives to take from the loss in Green Bay Sunday.
"We started running the ball better last week," Roethlisberger said. "That was encouraging. I think the passing game showed; went down the field and scored on the opening drive. Hit a deep ball."
"We are all getting a little more comfortable with each other. I know that we are losing in the midst of it, which isn't fun. As you grow and learn about each other, you hope that wins start formulating out of it. I think they will."
Steelers did rush for a season-high 3.9 yards per attempt. Typically those would be numbers for a down game, but this year isn't typical. The team is 1-3 and continuing to search for answers.
"Still missing some things here and there. In terms of running the ball and the kind of splash plays in the run game. That's starting to show a little more."
Roethlisberger said he talked with some of the younger leaders, including TJ Watt about getting through this. The 18-year veteran says they are not going to panic. He is also not going to use a pectoral and now hip injury as a reason for struggles.
"I don't want to dwell too much on the physical things, the ailments," Roethlisberger said. "Because it sounds like an excuse and I'm not going to make that. I need to be better."
"I need to fight through and figure out how to make better decisions. How to make better throws. How to be a better football player."
"I'm not going to quit. I'm not giving up on this season. No one in this building is. Still early and there is still a lot of fight left in us."
