So far, so good for Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethliberger, who is having to deal with breaking in a few new wide receivers during the 2014 OTA practices.
Due to the offseason losses of wide receivers Emmanuel Sanders and Jerricho Cotchery, Roethlisberger is currently saddled with trying to get new editions Lance Moore and Darrius Heyward-Bey on the same page with him as quickly as possible. Judging by his comments on Thursday, that process is going well with at least Moore.
According to Aditi Kinkhabwala of the NFL Network, Roethlisberger said Thursday that the chemistry he’s already developed with Moore is like it would be if they had already played together for a few years.
Kinkhabwala also reports that the Steelers quarterback was “awfully instructive” during the Thursday practice as he was not only explaining to his wide receivers what he wants from them, but also demonstrating to them how he’d like them to run their routes.
Ben Roethlisberger said chemistry w/ Lance Moore is already like they've been together for a few years.
— Aditi Kinkhabwala (@AKinkhabwala) June 5, 2014
During a recent interview with Moore, he also talked about the great leadership presence that Roethlisberger is showing during and after practice.
“He’s made it a point to come to me to talk about things day in and day out, said Moore. “I’m making sure that if I have any questions that I’m going right to him. Like I said, he’s an extension of a coach out there. So it’s easy for me to get answers from him.”
As for what Roethlisberger thinks so far about being more engaged this year during the OTA practices, it sounds like he’s just having fun.
“I love being out here. I love the game. I feel younger than ever.”
Ben Roethlisberger when asked if he has been more engaged in these OTAs: “I love being out here. I love the game. I feel younger than ever.”
— Scott Brown (@ScottBrown_ESPN) June 5, 2014
