Bill Cowher shared some passionate words of encouragement for the Steelers on CBS’ pregame show Sunday. And it seems like his former team listened.
Prior to Pittsburgh’s much-needed win over the Broncos, Cowher gave offensive coordinator Matt Canada some useful advice: don’t try to heavily manage Ben Roethlisberger. Let the future Hall of Famer sketch out his own method of attack.
“Matt Canada, I’m going to say this to you: let Ben do what he’s comfortable with,” Cowher said. “If it’s the short passing game, let him do it. If it’s the no-huddle, let him do it.”
The Steelers looked like a different team Sunday, largely due to the success of their offensive line. Najee Harris bursted through holes all afternoon on the way to his first career 100-yard game. As a result of his breakout game, Roethlisberger only completed 15 passes — a season low. But it was his best performance of the year. He went 15-of-25 for 253 yards and two touchdowns, including a 50-yard strike to Diontae Johnson.
Cowher told Roethlisberger to trust himself.
“Right now I say to you, Ben: be patient,” he said. “This is where you are. When you go out, understand this is a product of your journey, and your journey is not over yet.”
Roethlisberger certainly played like a quarterback Sunday who still has more to give. Those were some wise words from the coach.