PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger said last week it was important for him to be at voluntary practices this year. To let the guys see he's there. It's not only for the offensive players benefit, safety Minkah Fitzpatrick says it's good for the defense as well.
"I'm happy that Ben is out here," Fitzpatrick said. "He's been doing this for a while. He doesn't have to be out here competing against us, but he chooses to come and compete. When he's out there, everyone gets better."
So while Ben also benefits from the reps, learning the Matt Canada offense and spending time with younger players. Fitzpatrick said all improve, not just from his words, but by a still high-level skill set.
"It's a great look for me because not too many quarterbacks can do the things that he does," Fitzpatrick said.
He said from the initial time they lined up on Tuesday with the ones against the ones, Roethlisberger did something the other quarterbacks on the roster couldn't simulate.
"Very first play, he held me in the middle of the field a little bit and made the throw back side," Fitpatrick said. "Not too many guys are doing that across the league. Me going against that, I get to go back and watch film or even on the field, 'oh, I could have done this better'."
"I can remind myself of the fundamentals that I got to play with when I go against a guy like Ben."
Not just Fitzpatrick, but the entire defense especially the young players or those in the secondary moving into new positions.
"This year we are going up against a lot of guys that are really high caliber," Fitzpatrick said. "Him coming out here early. I respect it. I appreciate it. We all do. It's a great look."
It's starts early with Opening Day at Buffalo and Josh Allen (4544yds, 37 TD), Aaron Rodgers (either with Green Bay or Denver), Russell Wilson, Justin Herbert, Patrick Mahomes and the three Heisman winners in the AFC North.
If they are able to have success against these quarterbacks, however that is measured. They might look back to a foundation set in late May, early June.
"We all get better when Ben's out there."
